China’s Mysterious Spaceplane Releases Unidentified Object in Orbit
LeoLabs detected an unknown object released by China’s Shenlong spaceplane on June 22, 2026. The surveillance firm’s Kiwi Space Radar in New Zealand confirmed the deployment, which aligns with previous patterns of the reusable vehicle releasing unidentified objects during its orbital missions, according to LeoLabs.
Why is the Shenlong spaceplane releasing unknown objects?
The recent deployment on June 22 at 02:30 UTC is consistent with “sub-satellite deployments” seen in previous missions, according to LeoLabs. The firm reported on X that the object didn’t correlate to any other known item in their catalog.
This isn’t the first time the vehicle has behaved this way. During prior flights, the Shenlong released objects that emitted various signals while in orbit. While the U.S. military cataloged these objects, the Chinese government hasn’t confirmed their purpose or existence.
What is the history of China’s reusable spaceplane missions?
The spaceplane, developed by the state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, first entered orbit in 2020. That debut was a brief, two-day mission ending at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert.
Subsequent missions showed a sharp increase in endurance. In August 2022, the vehicle spent 276 days in orbit. It returned in December 2023 for another mission lasting 268 days. Its fourth mission launched on February 7, 2026.
According to LeoLabs, the vehicle has demonstrated a range of complex capabilities, including:
- Formation flying and orbital maneuvers.
- Capture and docking operations.
- Deployment of unidentified sub-satellites.
Is the Shenlong a peaceful tool or a space weapon?
There’s a stark contrast in how the spaceplane is described. China’s state news agency, Xinhua, says the vehicle conducts “technological verification for reusable spacecraft” to support the “peaceful use of space.”
The Secure World Foundation offers a different perspective. They suggest the Shenlong could function as a platform for intelligence, surveillance, and early-warning missions, or even serve as a launch platform for space weapons.
How does Shenlong compare to the U.S. Boeing X-37?
The U.S. Space Force operates a similar experimental vehicle, the Boeing X-37. While both are reusable and operate in secrecy, their public timelines differ. The X-37 launched its eighth mission (OTV-8) on August 21, 2025, to test military-focused in-orbit technologies.
A comparison of the two reveals a gap in transparency. While the U.S. provides slightly more public data on the X-37, both vehicles currently remain in orbit without announced landing dates. The primary difference lies in the observed behavior: LeoLabs has specifically highlighted the Shenlong’s pattern of releasing and interacting with mystery objects.
Quick Comparison: Spaceplane Capabilities
| Feature | China’s Shenlong | U.S. X-37B |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Tech verification (Xinhua) | Military capability tests |
| Known Behavior | Sub-satellite deployment | Long-duration orbit |
| Landing Method | Horizontal | Horizontal |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shenlong spaceplane?
It’s a Chinese reusable experimental spacecraft developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology for orbital testing and maneuvers.
Who detected the mystery object?
LeoLabs, a space surveillance firm, detected the object using its Kiwi Space Radar in New Zealand.
Is the Shenlong currently in orbit?
Yes, it launched for its fourth mission on February 7, 2026, and remains in orbit.
What do you think about the rise of secret reusable spaceplanes? Is this a new era of space diplomacy or a new arms race? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on orbital security.