● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Chinese Spaceplane Photographed in Orbit by Commercial Satellite
Key points
- Chinese spaceplane photographed by Maxar satellite in 2024.
- Design resembles US X-37B spaceplane.
- Pentagon released image in a Defense Intelligence Agency assessment.
- China has launched four spaceplane missions since 2020.
Chinese Spaceplane Imaged in Orbit
A Chinese spaceplane was photographed in low-Earth orbit by a commercial satellite owned by Maxar (formerly Vantor) in 2024. The image was recently released by the Pentagon as part of an unclassified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment regarding space threats to the United States.
Design Similarities to US X-37B
The photographed Chinese spaceplane exhibits design characteristics similar to the US military's X-37B spaceplane. These features include delta wings, payload bay doors, a dark heat shield, and a rear-mounted service module with solar arrays for power generation.
Context of Chinese Spaceplane Missions
China has conducted four spaceplane missions since 2020, with mission durations extending up to nine months. The fourth mission, launched in February, is currently in orbit. The exact number of Chinese spaceplanes in inventory is not publicly known. The US Space Force operates two X-37B vehicles, with their longest mission lasting two and a half years.
Implications for Space Activities
While the DIA report did not disclose new details about the Chinese spaceplane's specific functions in orbit, the public release of this imagery confirms the ongoing development and operational presence of such vehicles. The US X-37B's activities are largely classified, though some experiments and design details have been released.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
A US-owned commercial satellite photographed a Chinese spaceplane in low-Earth orbit in 2024. The image, released by the Pentagon, confirms the Chinese spaceplane's design similarities to the US X-37B, indicating China's continued development of reusable orbital vehicles.