Chinese space plane drops strange object in orbit

The Shenlong unmanned space plane launched on a Long March 2F rocket on its fourth mission on February 6, 2026 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Similar to previous flights, China did not reveal the goal of this mission. However, according to recent observations by space services company LeoLabs, the latest mission of the Than Long aircraft includes releasing an unidentified object in orbit.

According to Space, on June 22, LeoLabs discovered an unidentified object near China's reusable spacecraft Than Long. It was first observed by the company's Tracker radar in New Zealand. After further observations using a global network and analysis through the LeoLabs Delta platform, they classified the object and determined it was launched from a Chinese space plane. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell said the object was also classified by the US Space Force.

Than Long is a reusable space plane launched into space by rocket but lands on a runway like an airplane. According to Gizmodo, the Shenlong aircraft was developed by the China Academy of Rocket Launch Technology to verify technology for reusable spacecraft, providing technical support for peaceful use of space. The vehicle has a general design similar to the US Space Force's Twitter-37B aircraft or NASA's space shuttle. Chinese authorities still keep the exact technical specifications of Than Long a secret. Most aircraft photos come from ground-based telescopes.

This is not the first time the Shen Long plane has dropped objects in orbit. In June 2024, some observers noticed that the aircraft may have released a small satellite or discarded an unnecessary piece of hardware near the end of its mission. Six months earlier, the vehicle discarded six objects at the same time, which were determined to be debris left after launch. Observers also analyzed telescope images and discovered parts suspected to be solar panels extending from the plane.

According to SpaceNews, in previous missions, Than Long appeared to perform close encounter and approach operations (RPO), testing the ability to move near other objects in space. RPO can serve to repair or refuel other spacecraft, but some powers intend to use this capability to impact rival satellites.

An Khang