'Divine Dragon': What Is China's Secret Reusable Spacecraft, In Orbit Again For Fourth Time Since 2020?

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 08:00 IST

No one, however, really knows what the Shenlong spacecraft is doing up there leaving experts confused and in search of answers to decipher its true purpose

In the early hours of February 7, a Long March-2F carrier rocket ascended from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, carrying a payload that remains one of the most closely guarded secrets in modern aerospace.

This is not the first but the fourth time since 2020 that China has deployed its experimental reusable spacecraft, known as Shenlong meaning the “Divine Dragon".

But no one really knows what it is doing up there, leaving experts confused and in search of answers to decipher its true purpose. It is very much like China to be secretive, which was once again confirmed by state news agency Xinhua, and it did not provide any specifics of the mission.

The highly classified Shenlong programme, however, represents a significant leap in China’s orbital capabilities.

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL WORD?

The Chinese government’s public stance on the Shenlong programme is what observers called “vague and anodyne" language.

According to official reports, the mission is intended to carry out “technological verification", providing essential “technical support for the peaceful use of space". The primary objective, as per Xinhua, is to “pave the way for more convenient and affordable round-trip methods" for space travel in the future.

From a purely economic perspective, the development of reusable spacecraft is a logical step for any major space power. By creating a vehicle capable of returning to Earth and flying again, China aims to significantly increase the frequency of missions while lowering the per-mission costs.

But Beijing has virtually disclosed nothing about the craft’s technical capabilities, its internal design, or the nature of its payloads.

WHY IS CHINA BEING SECRETIVE?

The Shenlong’s flight history reveals a programme that has rapidly matured since its inception. Its first mission in September 2020 was a brief two-day proof-of-concept.

Subsequent flights have demonstrated remarkable endurance. A second spacecraft launched in August 2022 remained in orbit for 276 days before returning in May 2023.

A third mission, launched in late 2023, operated for 268 days. This latest fourth mission places the Shenlong back into low Earth orbit (LEO) for an undisclosed duration.

The increasing length of these missions – often exceeding eight months – suggests that China is focusing on long-duration orbital endurance and the testing of autonomous navigation systems that can survive the harsh environment of space for extended periods.

WHAT IS IT BEING COMPARED TO?

Experts have often compared Shenlong to the United States Space Force’s Boeing X-37B. Both are autonomous, unmanned reusable spacecraft that launch vertically atop a rocket and land horizontally on a runway.

The X-37B, which is roughly 29 feet (8.8 metres) long and resembles a miniature version of NASA’s retired space shuttle, also operates under a heavy veil of classification.

According to a report published by Space.com experts from the Secure World Foundation (SWF) said while the secrecy is a shared trait, the physical limitations of these craft make them unlikely candidates for space-to-ground weaponry.

The experts said the X-37B has a payload bay roughly the size of a pickup truck bed, and any “hyperkinetic weapons" dropped from such a vehicle will require massive thrusters to perform a deorbit burn. As these vehicles re-enter the atmosphere as slow-moving gliders, they will be “easy prey for any air defence system".

Analysts observed that similar physical constraints likely apply to Shenlong, suggesting its primary purpose is not as a “bomb from space".

HOW IS IT UNIQUE?

The Shenlong truly distinguishes itself from its American counterpart in its demonstrated ability to interact with other objects in orbit.

The Space.com report said during its previous missions, tracking data from the US military and private space situational awareness firms showed that the Chinese craft released one or more objects into orbit. It has been observed performing rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).

This involves the spacecraft manoeuvring close to its deployed objects and, in some cases, conducting “capture and docking operations". Victoria Samson, chief director of space security and stability for the SWF, was quoted saying this is a skill set China is clearly prioritising.

WHAT DOES RPO DO?

• Refuel and refurbish their own satellites to extend their lifespans.
• Inspect and upgrade hardware already in orbit.
• Remove orbital debris to ensure safe passage for other missions.

But, what is making everyone nervous is that the same skills can also be used to tamper with or disable enemy assets.

“It’s almost at the point now where, if you want to have space superiority, you need to be able to conduct RPOs," Samson was quoted.

SO, WHAT NEXT?

Since China has never been forthcoming, experts studying the Shenlong almost entirely rely on satellite tracking and amateur observations.

Amateur astronomers and private tracking companies have become the primary source of information. Experts have said greater communication about the mission’s scientific goals could help allay fears of anti-satellite activities.

But, for now, the ‘Divine Dragon’ continues its silent and secretive journey, representing a significant advancement in reusable technology that places China at the forefront of the new era of space competition.

(With agency inputs)

News world 'Divine Dragon': What Is China's Secret Reusable Spacecraft, In Orbit Again For Fourth Time Since 2020?

Read More