China's spaceplane bears striking resemblance to America's X-37B
A DIA report featuring high-resolution satellite imagery captured by Maxar Technologies shows China's secretive spaceplane in orbit as of 2024. The report reveals that China has conducted three spaceplane missions starting in 2020, with the latest missions spending months in orbit and reportedly conducting approach and rendezvous tests with objects. China's spaceplane design bears striking similarities to the US Space Force's X-37B, an uncrewed reusable spaceplane that can remain in orbit for extended periods conducting classified operations.
Key points
- China's spaceplane resembles US X-37B design
- Three Chinese missions conducted since 2020, with latest lasting 268 days in orbit
- DIA report indicates spacecraft may be testing orbital rendezvous capabilities
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