China's Shenlong Space Plane Releases 9th Mystery Object in Orbit
Updated
Updated · Livescience.com · Jun 26
China's Shenlong Space Plane Releases 9th Mystery Object in Orbit
2 articles · Updated · Livescience.com · Jun 26
Summary
LeoLabs detected an unidentified object near Shenlong on June 22 and said radar data from its network showed with high confidence that the craft had released it.
Jonathan McDowell confirmed the release on June 23, saying the U.S. Space Force was also tracking the object and suggesting it may be a cubesat.
The payload is the ninth object deployed by Shenlong since 2022 and the first disclosed activity from the space plane's fourth mission, which began with a Feb. 7 launch from Jiuquan.
China has revealed almost nothing about Shenlong's design or purpose, fueling speculation that the reusable vehicle may be testing rendezvous maneuvers, surveillance payloads or anti-satellite capabilities.
Shenlong has spent nearly 700 cumulative days in low Earth orbit, far less than the U.S. X-37B's 4,200-plus days but with much less public disclosure.
With China's space plane deploying mystery objects, are we witnessing the dawn of orbital warfare?
As silent space attacks increase, are the satellites we rely on daily becoming undefendable targets?
With 95% of space tech being dual-use, can international law ever prevent a conflict in orbit?
China's Shenlong Spaceplane Deploys Ninth Mystery Object: Secrecy, Dual-Use Risks, and the New Space Race
Overview
On June 22, 2026, China's Shenlong reusable spaceplane released a ninth unidentified object during its fourth mission, immediately drawing the attention of both commercial and official space surveillance entities. These organizations are now actively tracking and cataloging the new object, but the mission’s objectives and the purpose of the deployed object remain secret. Shenlong has a history of close maneuvers and capture operations with objects it deploys, often conducting sophisticated rendezvous and proximity operations. As observers await further developments, the secrecy and advanced capabilities of Shenlong continue to raise questions about its intentions and the broader implications for space security.