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China's secret spaceplane gets a clear close-up, and it looks a lot like the X-37B
A commercial satellite's close pass and a DIA release answer basic questions about the Shenlong, from its 26ft length to how it powers long missions.
The clearest view yet
The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released the clearest public view yet of China's secretive spaceplane. [1] A satellite operated by Vantor, formerly Maxar Technologies, made the shot possible by capturing a high-resolution image of the Shenlong in its deployed orbital configuration. [1]
If you follow space technology, this matters because the craft's basic details had been guesswork. Its dimensions and general design had long been the subject of speculation because of tight security. [1]
What the image shows
Vantor's annotated version of the photo describes the craft as PRC Test Spacecraft 3 and notes that it is 26ft long (8m). [2] The image shows the payload bay doors partly open and a secondary satellite docked on the rear of the spaceplane. [2]
That secondary satellite is likely a service module that connects with spacecraft to provide additional power, propulsion or support systems. [2] The Shenlong has an expendable service module with deployable solar panels that provide power to the spaceplane. [1] That settles speculation that the panels were inside the payload bay doors. [1]
The added power means the craft is configured for long-term missions. [1]
What the craft can do
The DIA confirmed that the Shenlong could deploy small payloads, maneuver relative to them, and carry out close approaches and inspections. [1]
Orbital tracking data fits that description. According to an analysis by Jonathan McDowell, the spaceplane released a sub-satellite in June and recaptured it in July, then repeated the release and recapture in August and September. [3]
Where the Shenlong came from
China's reusable spaceplane was first launched in September 2020 and is believed to be called Shenlong (Divine Dragon). [1] The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) built it. [1] Chinese state media refer to the vehicle as Chongfu Shiyong Shiyan Hangtian Qi, or CSSHQ, which means reusable experimental spacecraft. [3]
China has launched four spaceplane missions since 2020, with durations of up to nine months. [3]
The X-37B comparison
Outside observers noted early on that Shenlong appeared to be designed along the lines of the US Space Force's Boeing X-37B spaceplane. [1] The Shenlong is nearly identical to that robotic spaceplane. [2]
The Space Force has two X-37Bs flying in rotation, and the longest of their eight missions to date ran two-and-a-half years from launch until landing. [3]
What it means for you
Commercial spacecraft can now track and monitor even stealthy military vehicles in Earth orbit, a capability that was previously reserved for the most advanced intelligence agencies. [1] If you work with satellite imagery or follow orbital security, that is the change to note.
Non-Earth imaging allows commercial operators and government analysts to inspect satellites. [3] It is especially useful for gleaning information about classified or proprietary satellite designs. [3]
Sources
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