# US Intelligence Captures High-Resolution Imagery of China's Secretive Spaceplane New DIA report reveals visual similarities between Chinese orbital craft and US X-37B. - **Source:** [Latest news RSS](https://feeds.ibtimes.co.uk/feeds/bhsz8.rss) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e44e73e7-e919-4749-8435-58af5538011d ## High-Resolution Orbital Imagery The Defence Intelligence Agency recently released the clearest photograph yet of China’s experimental spaceplane. Captured in 2024 by a Vantor commercial satellite, the image provides unprecedented visual detail of the craft in orbit. This unclassified assessment highlights the vehicle's physical structure, which bears a striking resemblance to the American X-37B spaceplane design. ## Design and Operational Ambiguity The imagery reveals a winged spacecraft featuring open payload bay doors and a dark underside. An unidentified object remains attached to the rear section, which Vantor identified as a separate satellite with visible solar arrays. Despite these clear visuals, officials cannot confirm if the design reflects direct copying or independent, shared engineering principles. ## Mission History and Altitude Since 2020, China has conducted four reported orbital missions with this spaceplane. The most recent mission launched on 7 February 2026 and remained active through late October. Unlike the US X-37B, which has reached altitudes exceeding 24,000 miles, the Chinese vehicle has consistently operated within low Earth orbit, only a few hundred miles up. ## Rendezvous and Capture Capabilities Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell analyzed tracking data showing the craft released and recaptured smaller objects multiple times between June and September. This behavior suggests advanced rendezvous or capture capabilities. While such technology is essential for satellite servicing and debris removal, intelligence analysts remain concerned about potential military applications for these specific orbital maneuvers. ## Non-Earth Imaging Techniques The photograph was obtained through non-Earth imaging, a process involving the redirection of Earth-imaging satellites toward objects in space. Vantor, formerly known as Maxar, operated the satellite that captured the high-resolution data. Neither the company nor the DIA has disclosed the full circumstances or specific technical parameters surrounding this successful orbital observation. ## Counterspace Weaponry Concerns The DIA report emphasizes China’s growing arsenal of counterspace tools, including ground-based lasers capable of disrupting satellites in low Earth orbit. Intelligence officials assess that China may deploy more powerful ground-based and space-based systems by the late 2020s. These developments aim to threaten critical satellite infrastructure located in higher, more sensitive orbital altitudes. ## Broader Global Orbital Tensions The report also highlights Russia’s recent activities, including the close approach of Kosmos 2612 to a US-registered commercial radar satellite in October. These incidents, combined with China’s robotic arm tests and TJS satellite maneuvers, reflect a broader trend of increased scrutiny regarding the intentions and capabilities of foreign spacecraft operating near sensitive assets. ## US Defensive Orbital Posture In response to these evolving threats, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed on 14 September that the Space Force has deployed on-orbit space control weapons. This statement marks the first public acknowledgement of US defensive systems in space. These assets are intended to protect American forces against hostile actions from increasingly capable foreign space programs. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/us-intelligence-image-china-experimental-spaceplane-1828514 — --- _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._