China's Shenlong Spaceplane Enters Fourth Reported Orbital Mission
China's reusable Shenlong spacecraft is reported to be circling Earth on its fourth mission, with predicted viewing windows over several U.S. cities in late October and early November 2026.
FlyMarshall Newsroom1 min read
Photo: Inset: Satellite image ©2026 Vantor, background added in Canva Pro.
China’s Shenlong spacecraft is reported to be on its fourth mission in Earth orbit. Heavens-Above lists predicted passes over New York, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles for late October and early November 2026; viewing times depend on location and conditions.
Key details
- Shenlong launches on a rocket and returns to Earth for a runway landing.
- Heavens-Above lists predicted passes under “PRC TEST SPACECRAFT 4.”
- Visibility can depend on darkness, cloud cover and the spacecraft’s brightness. It may appear as a moving point of light.
- Satellite observer Paul Maley estimated its brightness at magnitude +2.5 to +3.5 at its brightest, with possible dimming to about magnitude +6. Maley reportedly observed the spacecraft in South Africa in February 2026.
Heavens-Above lists predicted Shenlong passes under the name “PRC TEST SPACECRAFT 4.”
Why it matters
Predicted passes give observers in four U.S. cities an opportunity to look for a reusable spacecraft in orbit. China’s space agency reportedly described the mission as testing technologies for more convenient and affordable round trips for peaceful uses of space.
What happens next
Predicted pass windows offer skywatchers across several U.S. cities a chance to follow Shenlong’s orbital flight. Which city will you be watching from?
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