The mysterious spacecraft named Shenlong from China has recently come into the sight of satellite observer Felix Schofbanker in Upper Austria, as reported by Space.com on August 5.
The Shenlong spacecraft, which was launched into Earth’s orbit by the Long March 2F rocket on December 14, 2023, was first captured in images by a veteran satellite observer in Austria.
Image of the Chinese spacecraft in orbit through Felix Schofbanker’s 14-inch telescope in Austria. (Photo: FELIX SCHOFBANKER).
Previously, China had not released any images of Shenlong, nor did it specify the mission of the spacecraft.
Using a 14-inch telescope and modern satellite tracking equipment, Schofbanker detected two structures resembling solar panels at the rear of the spacecraft, a feature not seen in any existing graphical renderings.
“I’m not entirely sure if that’s solar panels or something like antennas or similar,” Schofbanker shared with Space.com. The observer estimated the spacecraft to be approximately 10 meters long, slightly larger than the X-37B spacecraft of the U.S. Air Force.
During its current mission, Shenlong was detected releasing an object in June, moving away several kilometers before returning and coming within a few hundred meters.
Shenlong adjusted its altitude from a normal orbit of about 350 km to 600 km and back, showcasing its flexible operational range.
Image depicting the design of China’s Shenlong spacecraft (Photo: Getty).
Shenlong is an unmanned, reusable spacecraft launched into orbit by a rocket and landing at a secret military airfield. Observers believe that China is using this spacecraft to test various technologies, such as satellite manipulation or capture.
Tracking data indicates the Chinese spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province and landed at a mysterious military airfield in Lop Nur (Xinjiang). This location is associated with past nuclear testing events and is currently under tight control by the Chinese military.
This is the third mission of the Shenlong spacecraft, following a previous mission in August 2022 that lasted 276 days. The first flight in September 2020 lasted just 2 days.
