{
  "id": 16930320,
  "title": "China's secretive space plane caught on camera in incredible new photo released by US military",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/chinas-secretive-space-plane-caught-on-camera-in-incredible-new-photo",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-28T15:50:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/chinas-secretive-space-plane-caught-on-camera-in-incredible-new-photo-released-by-us-military"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an unprecedented sighting, China's clandestine Shenlong space plane has been captured on camera by the US military, revealing previously unseen details of the enigmatic spacecraft. The image, released by Vantor's WorldView 3 satellite, showcases the Shenlong docked to another satellite in orbit, with its solar panels extended. The resolution of the photograph is a remarkable 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) per pixel, allowing for unprecedented clarity. The payload bay doors of the Shenlong are also visible in the image, which may provide clues about the mission's purpose. While China's space agency has only disclosed that the plane is used to test technologies for more affordable and efficient space use, observers have previously noted that the spacecraft has deployed other objects into space during its missions. This behavior is consistent with previous Shenlong missions, where it has been observed releasing objects or conducting proximity and rendezvous operations, similar to the secretive US robotic space plane, the Boeing-built X-37B. As the US and China compete in what is often referred to as a new Space Race, such glimpses into the Shenlong's capabilities offer a rare insight into the secretive operations of both nations' militaries and intelligence agencies.",
  "summary": "A U.S. military intelligence agency has released an incredible new photograph of China's secretive space plane, showing it docked to another spacecraft in orbit.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}