The photo was taken in 2024, likely during the spaceplane's third orbital mission. Credit: Maxar Technologies / DIA

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released the public’s best look yet at Shenlong, China’s ultra-secret space plane . Details remain scarce on the experimental reusable vehicle , but the unclassified photo offers an unprecedented glimpse of the craft from below, as well as clear views of its unique, rear-facing solar panel arrays.

The photo was taken in 2024 by the geospace intelligence company Maxar Technologies, and is wedged inside the DIA’s latest edition of its Challenges to Security in Space report. The 130-page threat assessment examines the biggest space-based issues currently facing the U.S. and its allies.…