DIA releases clearest photo yet of China's secret Shenlong spaceplane

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency published a 2024 Maxar image of China's reusable Shenlong spaceplane in its latest space-security report. The vehicle is over 29 feet long with a roughly 15-foot wingspan and reaches orbital speeds of 17,426 mph; its fourth mission launched from Jiuquan on February 7, 2026.

• The Shenlong image was captured by Maxar in 2024 and appears on page 53 of the DIA report
• The craft is over 29 feet long with a wingspan of about 15 feet
• Shenlong reaches an orbital speed of 17,426 mph
• Its fourth launch took place on February 7, 2026, from Jiuquan