China’s Secretive Space Plane Spotted in Orbit: Exclusive Photos
A satellite watcher in Upper Austria, Felix Schöfbänker, captured new imagery of China’s Shenlong space plane in orbit. The space plane was launched into orbit on December 14, 2023, by a Long March 2F rocket and is currently on its third flight.
Schöfbänker used a 14-inch telescope and other equipment to track and capture images of the space plane. He explained that he takes a video during the flyover and then stacks and sharpens the best frames to create the final images.
The images reveal two solar panels on the space plane that are not visible in computer renderings available online. Schöfbänker estimates the length of the craft to be around 30 feet (10 meters), making it longer than the American X-37B space plane operated by the U.S. Space Force. However, he noted that the angle of illumination could hide certain features, and the wingspan of the space plane is not visible in the images.
The Chinese space plane recently lowered its orbit to approximately 217 miles (350 kilometers) above Earth. It appears to be oriented with the nose facing the front of the flight path, similar to a normal plane. The purpose of the craft’s third flight is unknown, mirroring the secretive nature of the U.S. Space Force X-37B, which is currently on a mission after its launch on December 29, 2023.
It remains unclear what China is hoping to achieve with the Shenlong space plane, but the images captured by Schöfbänker provide a unique perspective on the secretive vehicle. The comparison to the American X-37B highlights the growing competition and advancements in space exploration among different countries.
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Leonard David, an experienced space journalist with over 50 years of reporting on space activities, continues to provide valuable insights into the latest developments in space exploration. His books, including “Moon Rush: The New Space Race” and “Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet,” offer in-depth analyses of our journey into space. Stay updated on Leonard’s latest projects on his website and Twitter for more fascinating information on space exploration.
