A secretive Chinese space plane, identified as the 'Reusable Experimental Spacecraft,' has released an unidentified object into orbit, according to a U.S.-based space tracking company. The event was detected by Leo Labs on June 22, 2026, from its New Zealand radar station.
Leo Labs independently cataloged the object and assessed with high confidence that it was released from the Chinese spacecraft, noting that such deployments are consistent with previous missions. Chinese authorities have not publicly disclosed the purpose of the space plane or the nature of the deployed object.
The Reusable Experimental Spacecraft, operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), launched on February 6 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The specific objectives of its missions are typically kept confidential. This latest deployment offers a potential clue to its activities.
Professor Jonathan McDowell of the Durham University Space Research Centre stated that the object has been logged by the American Space Force. However, its exact identity and purpose remain unknown. McDowell suggested it could be a small satellite for research or a "very small spy satellite," though he cautioned that previous objects released from the space plane had not demonstrated significant activity. This leads him to believe the craft is more likely used for "doing experiments and testing advanced technology."
A key indicator of its function, according to Professor McDowell, will be whether the space plane later attempts to retrieve the satellite using a robotic arm.
The design and function of the Reusable Experimental Spacecraft are largely unknown, even by CNSA standards. It is thought to be comparable to the U.S. Air Force's X-37 or NASA's space shuttle. Official images are unavailable, with the best public views coming from amateur astronomer Felix Schöfbänker, who captured images showing the craft equipped with solar panels not present in earlier renderings.
This spacecraft has completed three previous missions, spending approximately 500 days in orbit. It has a history of unusual behavior, including observations of it possibly ejecting equipment or small satellites at the end of missions. In one instance, it released three sub-satellites simultaneously, which were later identified as launch debris.
More concerning are observations of the space plane conducting "rendezvous and proximity operations," which involve practicing close approaches to other objects. While these maneuvers can serve peaceful purposes like satellite refueling or repair, they also raise concerns about potential military applications, such as interfering with adversary satellites. Experts note that the U.S. Space Force is developing similar capabilities, and Russia has also been observed conducting close approaches with its satellites.
Professor McDowell suggests that China's investment in this technology may be a response to similar advancements by the United States. However, the exact intent behind the Reusable Experimental Spacecraft's operations, whether benign or military, remains unclear.