Seen from Europe. China’s Shenlong spaceplane was spotted over Europe by amateur astronomer Felix Schöfbänker, who managed to capture images of the secret vehicle from Austria using a modified telescope.
Shenlong, meaning “Divine Dragon” in Chinese, is an unmanned spacecraft, very similar to the US Air Force’s X-37B, which China uses for long-duration orbit missions.
The secret in orbit. As with its American counterpart, each mission of the Chinese space plane is shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation about its true objectives.
The discovery of Felix Schöfbänker
Felix Schöfbänker used a modified telescope to photograph the Shenlong spaceplane as it flew over Europe. These images revealed previously unknown details, including two structures at the rear of the vehicle that could be solar panels or antennas.
- Photographer : Felix Schöfbänker.
- Equipment : Modified telescope.
- Discovery : Unknown structures on Shenlong.
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Features of Shenlong
Shenlong, meaning “Divine Dragon” in Chinese, is slightly larger than the US Air Force’s X-37B, measuring about 10 meters in length. This unmanned vehicle is designed for long-duration orbit missions, and its precise capabilities remain secret.
- Size : About 10 meters long.
- Missions : Long duration in orbit.
- Secret Features : Abilities unknown.
Images captured by Schöfbänker reveal previously unknown details about the spacecraft, such as the existence of two structures at the rear that could be solar panels or antennas, suggesting that the craft has significant autonomous capabilities.
A device suspected of being a spy. Western analysts closely follow the nature of Shenlong’s missions. Less than two months ago, the special aircraft deployed an object into orbit and performed complex maneuvers to approach it again.
These operations suggest that China is testing satellite inspection or capture technologies, fueling speculation that the Shenlong could be designed for espionage missions or to neutralize enemy satellites in the event of conflict.
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Third mission. The aircraft was launched for its current mission aboard a Long March 2F rocket in December 2023. Since then, it has been in orbit and performing unknown tasks.
Schöfbäenker estimates that the spacecraft is 10 meters long, which would make it slightly larger than its American counterpart. However, everything about the Shenlong is subject to interpretation.
The Cold War in Space. What is certain is that this observation has not gone unnoticed in Western intelligence circles, who see in the Shenlong a new indicator of the growing cold war between China and the United States in space.
As in the 1960s, space has once again become the technological battlefield of the two muscular great powers, as well as a key area of defense and security.
Source: Astrobin.com