US Intelligence Reveals High-Resolution Image of Secret Space Plane Reported by China The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released a sharper image of an experimental Chinese space plane in orbit, and confirmed that the previously circulated image shows a Chinese vehicle - one whose design is very similar to the US Space Force X-37B, War Zone reports. The vehicle features small wings, twin vertical tails, a cargo bay and deployable solar panels. The DIA identifies Shenlong and Tangyun as China's two main spaceplane programs, but does not specify which vehicle is pictured. China is believed to have carried out four orbital missions with the experimental space plane since 2020. Its last mission was launched in February 2026, and the vehicle has yet to return, according to the report. During a previous mission, the spacecraft was observed releasing several unidentified objects into orbit. Reusable spacecraft can deploy satellites, test technologies and maneuver close to other spacecraft—capabilities with potential intelligence and military applications. substack | talk.

US Intelligence Reveals High-Resolution Image of Secret Space Plane Reported by China The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released a sharper image of an experimental Chinese space plane in orbit, and confirmed that the previously circulated image shows a Chinese vehicle - one whose design is very similar to the US Space Force X-37B, War Zone reports. The vehicle features small wings, twin vertical tails, a cargo bay and deployable solar panels. The DIA identifies Shenlong and Tangyun as China's two main spaceplane programs, but does not specify which vehicle is pictured. China is believed to have carried out four orbital missions with the experimental space plane since 2020. Its last mission was launched in February 2026, and the vehicle has yet to return, according to the report. During a previous mission, the spacecraft was observed releasing several unidentified objects into orbit. Reusable spacecraft can deploy satellites, test technologies and maneuver close to other spacecraft—capabilities with potential intelligence and military applications. substack | talk.