A photo of a Chinese space plane has been shot by an amateur space photographer. The image by Felix Schöfbänker features the vehicle that bares resemblance to United States’ own space plane as shown in above header image.
The photo was taken by Schöfbänker using a 14-inch telescope and image rendering software. The last mission for this spacecraft took place at the end of 2023 although its objectives and the duration it takes orbiting earth planet cannot be established.
This picture, according to Schöfbänker’s remarks to Space.com, unveils something which previous renderings of Shenlong spaceship have not shown – two extrusions on one side of the craft. He guesses they might be solar panels even though he is unsure about their real nature. Another thought he discusses is for them to act as antennas or other similar devices. However, it can also be true that these projections are an artifact of the specific angle from which the image was taken. Nevertheless, capturing such a view as this must make him feel great since he is himself a space photographer like Schöfbänker does indeed seem exciting.
The Chinese space plane has been on its top secret mission for over 200 days. Schöfbänker’s photo, while not showing the activities of the space plane, nevertheless gives an unexpected view of it in orbit.
Nevertheless, simply watching the aircraft is unlikely to allay fears regarding China’s motives. With China’s space ventures under increased scrutiny and a background of espionage issues, many people are alarmed about what exactly the space plane is doing particularly since it has been claimed that it disperses undisclosed objects.
Schöfbänker is not alone in his capture; there have been other enthusiasts who constantly monitor it as they try to track its orbit around the planet.
