Chinese spaceplane photographed in orbit, reveals X-37B-like design

Commercial satellite image shows delta wings, payload bay doors and solar arrays

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published27 October 2026

Updated27 October 2026

Read Time1 min

Sources2 outlets

Illustration: Chinese spaceplane photographed in orbit, reveals X-37B-like design

A Chinese spaceplane resembling the US Space Force's X-37B has been photographed in orbit by a commercial satellite, offering a rare public look at Beijing's secretive reusable spacecraft.

An image taken in 2024 by a US-owned commercial imaging satellite, now operated by the company Vantor, formerly known as Maxar, shows the Chinese spaceplane with delta wings, payload bay doors, a dark heat shield and a rear-mounted service module equipped with solar arrays. The design closely mirrors that of the X-37B, the robotic spaceplane flown by the US Space Force on long-duration classified missions.

The spacecraft was photographed in low-Earth orbit. Its existence and flights have been previously reported but only sketchy details have been available. The new image, published by Ars Technica, provides the first publicly released picture of the vehicle's configuration.

China has conducted several test flights of its reusable spaceplane, which is believed to be capable of deploying small satellites and staying in orbit for extended periods, similar to the X-37B. The US military has not commented on the photograph.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

The photograph confirms China's spaceplane design is nearly identical to the US X-37B, raising questions about technology transfer or independent reverse-engineering.
It highlights the growing transparency of space activities as commercial satellites can now monitor other nations' spacecraft.
The revelation may prompt renewed debate about space militarisation and the need for norms of behaviour in orbit.

Background

Both the US and China operate secretive, reusable orbital spaceplanes. The US X-37B has flown six missions since 2010, some lasting over two years. China began testing its own spaceplane in 2020 and has conducted at least three flights, but details of the vehicle's appearance and capabilities have been sparse. The new image, taken by a commercial remote-sensing satellite, is the first clear public picture of the Chinese version.

What to Watch

Whether China releases more details or imagery of its spaceplane programme in response to this disclosure.
Future orbital manoeuvres by both the Chinese spaceplane and the X-37B, which could signal competing operational capabilities.
Any US government reaction, including potential comments from the Space Force or intelligence agencies.

Sources

China's top-secret spaceplane can't hide in low-Earth orbit · Ars Technica
China's top-secret spaceplane can't hide in low-Earth orbit · Ars Technica

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 4 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedA Chinese spaceplane resembling the US Space Force’s X-37B was photographed in orbit by a commercial satellite.Space - Ars Technica: “A winged Chinese spacecraft bearing a strong resemblance to the US military's X-37B spaceplane was photographed in orbit by a passing US-owned commercial satellite in 2024”
SupportedThe image shows delta wings, payload bay doors, a dark heat shield and a rear-mounted service module with solar arrays.Space - Ars Technica: “The Chinese spaceplane has delta wings, payload bay doors, a dark heat shield, and a rear-mounted service module with power-generating solar arrays.”
Not in the sourcesThe spacecraft is reusable.Space - Ars Technica: “A winged Chinese spacecraft bearing a strong resemblance to the US military's X-37B spaceplane”
Partly supportedThe photograph was taken in 2024 by a US-owned satellite belonging to Vantor, which the story says now operates it and was formerly known as Maxar.Space - Ars Technica: “The photo was taken by a commercial imaging satellite owned by a company called Vantor, known as Maxar in 2024.”
SupportedThe spacecraft’s design closely mirrors that of the X-37B, which is flown by the US Space Force.Space - Ars Technica: “In other words, the design of the winged ship is, to a great degree, a copy of the X-37B spaceplane flown by the US Space Force.”
Not in the sourcesThe X-37B flies long-duration classified missions.Space - Ars Technica: “the X-37B spaceplane flown by the US Space Force.”
SupportedThe Chinese spacecraft was photographed in low-Earth orbit.Space - Ars Technica: “China's top-secret spaceplane can't hide in low-Earth orbit.”
Not in the sourcesThe spacecraft’s existence and flights had previously been reported, but only sketchy details were available.Space - Ars Technica: “A winged Chinese spacecraft bearing a strong resemblance to the US military's X-37B spaceplane was photographed in orbit by a passing US-owned commercial satellite in 2024, and we finally have the image.”
Partly supportedArs Technica published the first publicly released picture of the spacecraft’s configuration.Space - Ars Technica: “A winged Chinese spacecraft bearing a strong resemblance to the US military's X-37B spaceplane was photographed in orbit by a passing US-owned commercial satellite in 2024, and we finally have the image.”
Not in the sourcesChina has conducted several test flights of its reusable spaceplane.Space - Ars Technica: “A winged Chinese spacecraft bearing a strong resemblance to the US military's X-37B spaceplane”
Not in the sourcesThe spacecraft is believed capable of deploying small satellites and remaining in orbit for extended periods.
Not in the sourcesThe US military has not commented on the photograph.