An amateur astronomer from Austria has achieved a remarkable feat by capturing images of China’s secretive Shenlong spaceplane using hobbyist-level equipment. Felix Schöfbänker used his 14-inch telescope setup and image rendering software to spot the mysterious spacecraft that was launched at the end of 2023. He discovered two protrusions, which could possibly be solar panels, on one end of the craft, not visible in any public renderings.
Schöfbänker expressed uncertainty about the nature of these protrusions, suggesting they could be solar panels, antennas, or some other features. Although he acknowledged that the images may be slightly distorted due to the angle at which they were captured, this discovery sheds light on the covert nature of the Shenlong spaceplane.
If Schöfbänker’s calculations are accurate, the Shenlong spaceplane would measure about 30 feet in length, making it longer than the US military’s X-37B spaceplane. Space defense experts have raised concerns about the Shenlong’s potential military capabilities, with General Stephen Whiting of US Space Command emphasizing the need to understand its dual-use nature.
Despite being over 200 days into its secretive mission, very little is known about the Shenlong spaceplane. However, Schöfbänker’s observations have provided valuable insights into its size and orientation. The spacecraft appears to be positioned with its nose forward, resembling a conventional plane.
The Shenlong’s mission and objectives remain shrouded in mystery, but the dedication of amateur astronomers like Schöfbänker highlights the importance of tracking and monitoring activities in space. As the United States’ significant space competitor, China’s space endeavors continue to intrigue and raise questions about the future of space exploration.
In other news related to China, recent reports have revealed that Chinese researchers have detected water in samples collected from the moon. This discovery could have significant implications for our understanding of the lunar environment and potential future lunar missions. Stay tuned for more updates on China’s space exploration efforts and the exciting discoveries that lie ahead.