Mysterious Chinese Spacecraft in the Skies Above the US: Footage Captures Release of Unknown Objects

US intelligence agencies have released a striking image of China’s secretive spacecraft, "Shenlong"—also known as the "Divine Dragon." This uncrewed craft, which orbits the Earth, has been active in space for the past six years. It has drawn significant attention due to multiple instances where it has released unidentified objects while in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Following reports about these objects, various organizations and individuals have begun monitoring the spacecraft’s movements using ground-based radar and other technologies. The newly released image provides a remarkably clear view of the Shenlong, which researchers believe will help them better understand the craft's capabilities.

According to a report by Space.com, the image was captured in 2024 by a satellite belonging to Maxar Technologies (now Vantor) from a distance of 90 kilometers. The image has a resolution of 4.5 centimeters per pixel.

The image is part of a threat assessment report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report describes the Shenlong as a spacecraft capable of deploying objects into orbit, conducting tests on them, and subsequently returning to Earth.

In the image, the Shenlong is seen connected to another satellite, with its solar panels fully extended. What appears to be a payload bay door at the rear of the craft also seems to be open.

The reusable Shenlong spacecraft bears a strong resemblance to the X-37B, a spaceplane built by the American company Boeing. It is launched into space via a rocket and, after completing its mission in orbit, returns to Earth, landing much like an airplane. Shenlong is currently on its fourth mission. It was launched on February 7 of this year from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March-2F rocket.

China has yet to release any official images of Shenlong. In a statement, Vantor noted that the spacecraft is 26 feet long.

Space.com has also published a list of cities from which Shenlong might be visible this week. Citing data from ‘Heavens-Above,’ the outlet reported that the spacecraft will pass over Denver on November 3, and over Los Angeles on November 5 and 6—potentially giving residents of these cities a chance to spot it with the naked eye.

According to the report, the best opportunity to view Shenlong will be in the pre-dawn sky.

Source: NDTV