The US Defense Intelligence Agency has released a satellite image of China's secret Shenlong space plane, which closely copies the design of the American X-37B, a spacecraft operated by the US for nearly two decades. These reusable unmanned spacecraft conduct classified military experiments, maneuver in orbit and deploy satellites before returning to Earth. The image, taken by a US satellite in 2024, shows Shenlong with its cargo bay doors open, giving US intelligence a rare look at China's orbital operations.

The US Defense Intelligence Agency has released a satellite image of China's secret Shenlong space plane, which closely copies the design of the American X-37B, a spacecraft operated by the US for nearly two decades. These reusable unmanned spacecraft conduct classified military experiments, maneuver in orbit and deploy satellites before returning to Earth. The image, taken by a US satellite in 2024, shows Shenlong with its cargo bay doors open, giving US intelligence a rare look at China's orbital operations.