Shenlong "Divine Dragon" Chinese reusable experimental spacecraft, officially "reusable experimental spacecraft". The name is not official, it was invented by fans. This is the closest analog to the X-37B. Based on updated space intelligence data from competing countries: Size: ~10m Length, for the X-37B ~9m. The plan is the same: support body without a crew, vertical launch, autonomous landing on the runway. Carrier: Long March 2F (same rocket that launches Shenzhou), launched from Jiuquan. Operator: CASC. China does not disclose either characteristics or purpose. Official wording: "Technological verification of reusable vehicles for the peaceful use of space" Tasks: 1. September 4, 2020: 2 days in orbit.
2. August 4, 2022: 276 days. During the mission, the device released several objects.
3. December 14, 2023: about 266 days. 4. February 7, 2026: Running Now (pictured) On June 21-22, 2026, American observers (LeoLabs, radar in New Zealand) recorded the separation of a new object, the Space Force cataloged it. If we compare it to the Boeing X-37B, it flies longer (according to sources, 434–908 days in recent missions) and is able to enter higher elliptical orbits. Shenlong is currently operating in low orbit, but the duration of its missions is increasing. The purpose of both devices is classified. Officially they are talking about maneuver tests, reuse, deployment of small satellites and reconnaissance. In fact, these are elements of military space systems; Such devices allow detailed photography of objects in low orbit and on the ground; The reusability of the system allows you to adjust and change the load after each mission, which in turn provides economic efficiency. Exactly according to the same principle, our company is currently designing the pseudo spacecraft "Argos" and its small prototype "Clean".