An incredible photograph of a China’s secretive plane, which is orbiting the Earth, has been released by the US intelligence agency. The new photograph has revealed the plane in stunning details, helping researchers study its capabilities. It made news several times for deploying unidentified objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). After the reports of these objects, companies and individuals have closely monitored the plane using tools such as ground-based radar.
The robotic space plane is called Shenlong, or “divine dragon”, and has been in action for six years.
The image is part of Defence Intelligence Agency’s (DIA’s) threat assessment report. Space.com has published a list of cities where the Shenlong will be visible this week. The photograph was taken in 2024 by Maxar Technologies (now Vantor) satellite, from a distance of 90 kilometres, according to space.com . It has a resolution of 4.5 centimetres per pixel. Citing data from Heavens Above, the outlet said the plane will pass over Denver on November 3, and Los Angeles on November 5 and 6, giving people a chance to view it with the naked eye.
It describes Shenlong as a space plane that can “launch into orbit to place objects in space or even test them and return to Earth”. The best viewing opportunities are in the pre-dawn sky, space.com further said.
Shenlong, a reusable space plane, is very similar to its American counterpart, Boeing-built X-37B, and is launched aboard a rocket, before entering the orbit and landing like a plane.
