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US Releases Rare Image of China’s Secretive Spaceplane

October 28, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

US Defense Intelligence Agency releases rare photo of China's spaceplane.
Image shows open payload bay and attached spacecraft.
Vehicle resembles a small space shuttle.
China's spaceplane has conducted four orbital tests since 2020.

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Strategic Implications

The release of this image may indicate increased US scrutiny of China's space activities. The similarity in design to the X-37B suggests China could be developing capabilities for extended orbital missions, which could have implications for space-based reconnaissance and surveillance.

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What Happened

China’s Reusable Spacecraft Revealed in Orbit with Open Payload Bay

The US Defense Intelligence Agency has published a rare photograph of China’s secretive reusable spaceplane in orbit, offering a clearer view of a vehicle whose appearance and missions China has largely kept out of public view. The image, taken by Vantor’s WorldView-3 satellite, shows the spaceplane’s open payload bay and another spacecraft attached at the rear. China has conducted four orbital tests of the vehicle since 2020, with the latest launch taking place in February 2026. The US has used its own X-37B spaceplane to test equipment and techniques during extended orbital flights. The image was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: October 26, 2026

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