China’s Secret Space Plane: How Shenlong Could Change the Space Race

What is a secret Chinese space shuttle, and how can it change the balance of power in the space race?

In recent years, China has been rapidly turning into a leading space power, challenging the long-standing dominance of the United States and Russia. Tiangong orbital station, Chang’e lunar missions, Zhurong Mars rover, ambitious plans to explore asteroids and Jupiter – all these projects testify to China’s serious intentions to lead the space race. The competition is heating up, and it seems that the winner will be the one with the biggest ace up their sleeve. For China, this may be Shenlong Spacecraft – a mysterious project shrouded in secrecy.

Is China really developing a secret space plane, and why is it called the Chinese space shuttle? Let’s get to the bottom of it.

What Is the Mystery Chinese Spacecraft?

Shenlong (神龙) (translated from Chinese as “God Dragon” or “Divine Dragon”) is a reusable unmanned space plane developed by China presumably since the early 2000s. In Chinese mythology, Shenlong is considered the master of rain and thunderstorms who can control the weather and bring storms to the Earth. Perhaps that is why the China space plane got its name – it symbolizes the power and desire of China to conquer space.

Does China Really Have a Space Plane?

The Shenlong spacecraft is shrouded in mystery, as the Chinese government provides very little official information about it. Neither the purpose nor the capabilities of the craft have been publicly announced, and such secrecy gives rise to lots of speculation and intrigue surrounding the project.

According to US intelligence, China conducted the first aerodynamic tests of its secret space plane in 2007 when the prototype was launched from a Xian H-6 bomber.

In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to speed up the creation of an integrated space and air force, which greatly stimulated Shenlong’s development.

From 2020 to 2024, the Chinese space plane completed three successful orbital missions out of three, two of which had record durations of 276 and 268 days.

What Is the Chinese Reusable Shenlong Space Plane?

The exact specifications of Shenlong remain unknown, but based on photographs fortunately captured in July 2024, it resembles a smaller version of the Space Shuttle without the side boosters, hence the analogy with the legendary American spacecraft. Like the Space Shuttle, Shenlong is reusable and lands autonomously, although it’s launched like a traditional satellite using a Long March 2F rocket.

Other experts point to closer similarities with the X-37B, an orbital space plane developed by Boeing for the US Air Force. The Shenlong is estimated to be about 9 m long, with a wingspan of about 6 m. The Chinese space plane is also expected to deliver small payloads (up to 1 ton) to orbits up to 8,000 km high and perform technology demonstrations and testing.

What Is the Shenlong Purpose?

Officially, China says Shenlong is designed for peaceful purposes like scientific research and technological experiments. However, many experts believe the spacecraft has military applications.

1. Reconnaissance and surveillance. Shenlong may carry reconnaissance equipment to monitor the Earth and other space objects.
2. Anti-satellite weapons. Some experts suggest that Shenlong can be equipped with weapons to destroy enemy satellites.
3. Technology testing. Shenlong can be used to test new technologies, including military ones, which will find application in spaceships and orbital stations in the future.

During its latest mission, Shenlong orbited six unidentified objects, deepening the mystery. The purpose and nature of these objects remain unknown, which raises speculation about potential surveillance activities or testing of secret technologies.

In any case, China continues to keep the intrigue around its brainchild, making Shenlong one of the most mysterious space projects in history.

Two Dragons – Double Impact

Interestingly, there are actually two Chinese space dragons. In November 2024, the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition unveiled Haolong, a new cargo shuttle developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute, a division of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

Haolong means Good Dragon in Chinese, hinting at its peaceful use. According to the manufacturers, this Chinese space plane is designed to replace the Tianzhou robotic cargo ship to supply the Tiangong space station. However, if you look at the appearance and stated characteristics of Haolong, you will see that it has a lot in common with the Shenlong and the X-37B. An amazing coincidence, isn’t it?

Should the US Be Worried?

Most likely. Haolong and Shenlong spacecraft are an obvious technological breakthrough for China in the space race. Their reusability and launch flexibility allow significantly reduce the cost of missions and increase their frequency. Hence, China can conduct scientific research faster and more efficiently, as well as orbit payloads, including military ones.

The potential ability of Shenlong to serve as an orbital tug may be used for various military operations, including the destruction or interception of satellites. The Chinese space plane has already maneuvered near other orbital objects, which can be perceived as a potential threat to US satellites. Indeed, the full information about the Divine Dragon has not yet been revealed, and who knows what kind of destructive power it may conceal.

We can only hope that the most powerful world players will be prudent enough not to turn a peaceful space race into star wars. After all, humanity already has enough wars on Earth.

References and Additional Information

1. Shenlong ‘Divine Dragon’ Takes Flight: Is China Developing Its First Spaceplane?
   https://www.chinasignpost.com/2012/05/04/shenlong-divine-dragon-takes-flight-is-china-developing-its-first-spaceplane/ 
2. China’s Reusable Spaceplane ‘Shenlong’
   https://opsjournal.org/DocumentLibrary/Uploads/China.pdf 
3. Chinese Spacecraft Has Secret Military Use, Experts Say
   https://futurism.com/the-byte/chinese-spacecraft-secret-military 
4. China’s Proposed Cargo Shuttle, the Haolong, Has Entered Development
   https://www.universetoday.com/169703/chinas-proposed-cargo-shuttle-the-haolong-has-entered-development/