China's Spaceplane Mimics US Tech: DEW Threat?

A recent unclassified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment has revealed a high-resolution image of China's mysterious winged spaceplane, photographed in orbit by a commercial satellite in 2024. The vehicle bears a striking resemblance to the US Space Force's X-37B spaceplane, featuring delta wings and a rear-mounted service module. This observation comes as the DIA assesses potential threats to the United States in space.

China has conducted at least four spaceplane missions since 2020, with durations extending up to nine months. The current mission launched in February of this year. These spaceplanes, capable of autonomous runway landings, are noted for their enhanced maneuverability compared to traditional satellites and can deploy smaller satellites. Recently, China demonstrated an orbital 'catch and release' capability, recapturing a deployed sub-satellite multiple times.

Beyond spaceplane advancements, the DIA report highlights China's pursuit of counterspace capabilities, including directed-energy weapons (DEWs). The agency believes China may deploy space-based DEWs by the late 2020s, capable of disabling or damaging satellites. This is in addition to existing ground-based laser weapons and tests of anti-satellite missiles. Other nations, including Russia, are also developing advanced orbital weaponry.