US Defense Intel Agency Confirms Image of Chinese Spaceplane in Orbit Mirroring the US Space Force's X-37B Design

The US Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed that a commercial satellite image first displayed publicly in 2024 shows China’s experimental reusable spaceplane in orbit. A sharper Maxar image appears in the agency’s 2026 Challenges to Security in Space report, released on October 26, showing a shuttle-like layout resembling the Boeing X-37B. Visible features include small wings, twin vertical tails, an open central payload bay and an aft extension with deployed solar panels. The confirmation identifies the spacecraft in the photograph but does not disclose its payload or mission objectives, while China’s fourth spaceplane mission, launched in February 2026, continues.