Two Chinese satellites, Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, are preparing for an unprecedented operation in geostationary orbit (GEO). They plan to conduct a space docking and refueling experiment, which will be a first for China. This technology can significantly extend the service life of expensive spacecraft, opening a new chapter in the exploration of near-Earth space.
According to COMSPOC, a company specializing in space monitoring, satellites performed a series of precise maneuvers over the weekend. On Monday, the spacecraft approached each other to a distance of several tens of kilometers at an altitude of 36,000 km above the Earth’s surface. A key phase of the mission is expected to take place this week: an attempt at automatic docking and fuel transfer between satellites.
Space refueling
The main goal of the experiment is to demonstrate the possibility of extending the service life of satellites. Shijian-25 will act as a space “refueling station.” It will attempt to transfer approximately 142 kg of rocket fuel to the Shijian-21 satellite. If successful, this operation could extend the active life of Shijian-21 to eight years.
China is actively developing space service technologies. Shijian-21 is already known for its unique mission. About a year after its launch in 2021, it successfully docked with the malfunctioning Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite and towed it to a special “graveyard orbit,” clearing valuable safe space for other spacecraft. After that, it was believed that Shijian-21 had used up its main fuel reserves. But its unexpected activity and rapprochement with Shijian-25 came as a surprise and a logical step in the development of China’s capabilities.
Watchful eye of the opponent
The experiment caused considerable interest and concern in the United States. Two American surveillance satellites, USA 270 and USA 271, which are part of the secret GSSAP (Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program), performed their own maneuvers to take up an advantageous position for observing Chinese activities.
The close presence of American vehicles not only complicates the operational situation, increasing the risk of accidental collisions, but also underscores the Pentagon’s strategic concerns. The US sees Chinese refueling technology as a potential threat. China’s success will mean not only the ability to maintain its own communications or scientific satellites, but also the potential to continue operating critical military equipment or even develop capabilities to disable enemy satellites.
Successful maneuvers
It should be noted that China is not a pioneer in this field. In 2019, the American company Northrop Grumman successfully carried out the first-ever commercial refueling of a satellite in orbit, extending its service life by five years. The US Space Force is also actively preparing its own Tetra-5 and Tetra-6 programs to test similar technologies together with Northrop Grumman and other commercial partners.
The successful refueling of Shijian-21 will be a significant achievement for Chinese space exploration, which will greatly intensify technological competition in space. It opens up a practical path to the creation of space filling stations capable of servicing entire fleets of satellites.
Earlier, we reported on how SpaceX was preparing for a dangerous maneuver to refuel two Starships in space.
According to spacenews.com
