China's Spaceplane Design Mirrors US X-37B

A US intelligence report, first shared by defense news outlet TWZ, includes a high-resolution satellite image of China's experimental spaceplane. The image shows a design very similar to the US Space Force's X-37B.

The Defense Intelligence Agency released the image as part of its report on space domain security challenges. Maxar Technologies, now known as Vantor, captured the image using its WorldView-3 satellite.

The satellite image was taken on May 28, 2024, at a distance of just under 56 miles. Vantor informed TWZ that a separate satellite is docked to the aft section of the vehicle, with its structure and solar arrays clearly visible.

The spacecraft's payload bay doors are shown as open in the image. China is understood to have carried out four orbital missions using the same spaceplane since 2020, with the latest launch occurring on February 7.

The DIA report also mentions that China has two main spaceplane models: the Shenlong and Tengyun. However, it does not specify which model is depicted in the image.

The report highlights that spaceplanes are reusable and offer enhanced maneuverability, making them more suitable for certain missions than traditional satellites. It also notes that while reusable technologies are more complex and costly to develop, they can significantly reduce spaceflight costs through recovery and reuse.