The US Defense Intelligence Agency has released a satellite image of the secret Chinese Shenlong space plane. According to reports, the plane closely copies the design of the American X-37B, a craft that the United States has operated for nearly two decades. Reusable unmanned vehicles perform classified military experiments, orbit maneuvers and launch satellites before returning to Earth. A picture taken by a US satellite in 2024 shows Shenlong with its cargo bay doors open, giving US intelligence a rare glimpse into China's orbiting activity.

The US Defense Intelligence Agency has released a satellite image of the secret Chinese Shenlong space plane. According to reports, the plane closely copies the design of the American X-37B, a craft that the United States has operated for nearly two decades. Reusable unmanned vehicles perform classified military experiments, orbit maneuvers and launch satellites before returning to Earth. A picture taken by a US satellite in 2024 shows Shenlong with its cargo bay doors open, giving US intelligence a rare glimpse into China's orbiting activity.