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China's Space Plane Passes Over U.S. This Week

China's space plane, Shenlong, will be visible over the U.S. between Oct. 30 and early November.

New York Editorial News Desk October 30, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • Shenlong is making several passes over the U.S. during the next few days.
  • The spacecraft is visible to the naked eye under dark sky conditions.
  • Viewing opportunities are available for multiple U.S. cities.

China's space plane, Shenlong, is currently orbiting Earth on its fourth mission. China's space agency has stated it is testing technologies that 'will pave the way for more convenient and affordable round-trip methods for the peaceful use of space in the future.'

Shenlong is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye under favorable conditions, according to Spaceweather.com. However, viewing times are early in the predawn sky.

Skywatchers across the U.S. have several opportunities to spot Shenlong between Oct. 30 and early November, provided the weather is clear. Specific times vary by location.

For those in major U.S. cities, Heavens-Above lists high-altitude passes with approximate times and maximum elevation angles. These times are subject to change.

To find viewing times for your location, visit Heavens-Above, enter your location, and search for 'PRC TEST SPACECRAFT 4' in the satellite database. Select 'visible only' for upcoming passes.

Shenlong appears as a small, steadily moving point of light, similar to a satellite. Its brightness can vary, with estimates ranging from magnitude +2.5 to +6 under different conditions.

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