# China's Secretive Spaceplane Mirrors US X-37B Design New satellite imagery highlights the evolving orbital capabilities of China's reusable spaceplane program. - **Source:** [www.theregister.com - Articles](https://brifing.si/source/2c34ea50-d341-4a10-925d-12c012a9ad10) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/adad3c72-d45c-4f0e-84e0-912d4ce39b40 ## Satellite Imagery Reveals Details A high-resolution image captured by Maxar Technologies in 2024 provides a clear view of China's secretive spaceplane in orbit. This visual evidence, featured in a Defense Intelligence Agency report, confirms the craft's physical configuration. The image offers significantly more detail than previous low-resolution snapshots shared by industry observers two years ago. ## Structural Resemblance to X-37B The Chinese spaceplane exhibits a distinct structural similarity to the US Space Force's X-37B. The X-37B, which originated as a NASA project in 1999, has completed eight orbital missions since its 2010 launch. This reusable vehicle is designed for long-duration classified operations, mirroring the operational profile observed in recent Chinese space missions. ## Evolution of Chinese Missions China's spaceplane program has demonstrated rapid advancement in mission duration since its initial 2020 flight. While the first mission lasted only two days, subsequent launches in 2022 and 2023 extended to 276 and 268 days respectively. These extended durations suggest a focus on sustained orbital presence and complex maneuvering capabilities in space. ## Orbital Rendezvous and Testing Recent Chinese missions have included specific approach and rendezvous tests involving objects in orbit. These maneuvers are critical for developing proximity operations, which are essential for both maintenance and potential interference. The Defense Intelligence Agency highlights these activities as part of a broader trend of developing systems that challenge current space security. ## Historical Context of Spaceplanes The history of spaceplanes includes the Russian Buran, which visually resembled the US Space Shuttle despite significant technical differences. Unlike the Shuttle, the Buran orbiter lacked its own launch engines. The Defense Intelligence Agency notes that Russia has made minimal progress in spaceplane technology since the conclusion of the Buran program. ## Escalating Orbital Proximity Concerns Tensions in orbit are rising as nations engage in closer proximity maneuvers. Earlier this month, the Russian satellite Kosmos-2612 approached a US ICEYE-X36 satellite before moving away. This incident, while potentially innocent, has raised significant concerns among US lawmakers regarding the intent behind such close-approach activities between rival space assets. ## Strategic Implications of Space Weapons The United States has confirmed the existence of its own space-based weapons, acknowledging a shift in the orbital landscape. The Defense Intelligence Agency report suggests that rivals are likely developing their own kinetic or jamming technologies. This environment necessitates a realistic assumption that space is becoming a contested domain for global powers. ## Future of Orbital Security The convergence of reusable spaceplane technology and proximity testing signals a new phase in space competition. As China, Russia, and the US continue to develop these capabilities, the focus shifts toward maintaining space security. Monitoring these orbital developments remains a priority for intelligence agencies tasked with assessing threats to national security interests. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theregister.com/offbeat/2026/10/28/chinas-spaceplane-bears-striking-resemblance-to-americas-x-37b/5305983 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._