US Satellite Photographs China's Secret Spaceplane in Orbit
· World · Ars Technica, Times of India, Wired
A US-owned commercial satellite, operated by Vantor (formerly Maxar), photographed a Chinese spaceplane in low-Earth orbit in 2024. The image, released by the Pentagon, reveals the Chinese spacecraft closely resembles the US Space Force's X-37B spaceplane, featuring delta wings, payload bay doors, and solar arrays. China has launched four such spaceplane missions since 2020, with the latest still in orbit after a February launch. The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report confirms the vehicle's enhanced maneuverability for certain missions, but does not reveal new details about its specific activities.
Why it matters
The photographic confirmation of China's advanced spaceplane capabilities intensifies the space rivalry between the US and China. This development could have significant implications for military and intelligence operations in space, affecting global security dynamics.
Read the original report — Ars Technica
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