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US Intel Confirms China's Secret Spaceplane

October 28, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

US Defense Intelligence Agency confirms Chinese spaceplane image.
Design is similar to US Space Force's X-37B.
Image captured by Maxar Technologies satellite.
China has conducted four orbital spaceplane missions.

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Strategic Implications

This confirmation may indicate China's growing capabilities in reusable space technology, which could suggest a shift in the global space power balance. The similarity in design to the X-37B indicates potential inspiration from US space programs, which could have implications for future space-based competition.

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What Happened

Beijing's Experimental Reusable Spacecraft Revealed

The US Defense Intelligence Agency has confirmed the authenticity of an image showing an experimental Chinese reusable spaceplane in orbit. The design bears a strong resemblance to the US Space Force’s X-37B, with features such as small wings, twin vertical tails, and an upward-opening payload bay. The image was captured by a Maxar Technologies satellite, now part of Vantor, and has been included in a new report on global security challenges in space. China has reportedly conducted four orbital spaceplane missions since 2020, with the most recent launch occurring in February this year. This development was first reported by Unknown Source.

Source | Originally Published: October 27, 2026

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