U.S. intelligence report publishes clear image of China's secretive spaceplane

A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report, Challenges to Security in Space 2026, has released what is described as the first clear image of China’s secretive reusable experimental spacecraft in orbit. The image, credited to Maxar Technologies (now Vantor) and the DIA, shows the spaceplane connected to what appears to be a service module, with solar arrays deployed. Its publication gives the public a clearer visual reference for a Chinese spacecraft whose design and operations have remained difficult to assess.

The image’s notable detail is the apparent support module and its deployed arrays, which suggest the spacecraft is operating as part of a larger orbital configuration rather than appearing alone. The report’s release places the vehicle within U.S. intelligence’s assessment of security challenges in space, while the image itself offers evidence about its form and setup. The available text does not provide the spacecraft’s mission, capabilities, flight duration, or the DIA’s broader conclusions, so the main substance here is the newly published visual evidence and what it reveals about the craft’s configuration.