Latest news with #Shijian-25
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
China Appears to Pull Off Satellite Feat That NASA Has Never Achieved
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two remote-controlled Chinese satellites appear to have docked in high orbit to allow refueling and servicing for the first time. The achievement, which has yet to be matched by the U.S, involved autonomous spacecraft Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, completing the task in geostationary orbit earlier this month. Geostationary orbits occur at 22,236 miles above the surface, and are typically used for communications satellites so that they can move with the rotation of the Earth. However, the high orbit and need for satellites to maintain speeds with the Earth's rotation makes docking extremely difficult. The event, not so far confirmed by China, was reported after optical sensor data suggested the satellites "appeared visually merged" between July 2 and July 6, according to space situational awareness provider COMSPOC, based in the U.S. Newsweek contacted NASA and the China National Space Administration for more information on the situation via email. Why It Matters If confirmed, China's achievement would highlight major advancements in space servicing capabilities—an area long pursued by global space agencies. Refueling satellites during flight extends their operational life span and reduces space debris, benefits considered critical for maintaining sustainable long-term operations in ever-more-crowded orbital pathways. NASA has previously achieved autonomous docking and fuel transfer in low Earth orbit with the 2007 DARPA Orbital Express mission, but has not managed the process in the higher, more challenging geostationary orbit in which the Shijian mission occurred. What To Know The close-proximity operations were observed alongside two American military surveillance satellites stationed nearby to monitor the historic maneuver. The operation involved carefully coordinated movements as Shijian-25 approached and maneuvered near Shijian-21 throughout June and early July, culminating in the period when they appeared to converge, according to U.S. and Swiss tracking sources. Tracking from COMSPOC and other space surveillance organizations indicated the following sequence: Shijian-25, which launched earlier in 2025 to test mission-extension technologies, moved steadily toward Shijian-21 starting in early June. Stock image: The International Space Station docking over Tunisia, May, 2016. Stock image: The International Space Station docking over Tunisia, May, 2016. Getty Images The two achieved a close approach on June 13 before temporarily separating 90 minutes later. Another round of close-proximity operations took place on June 30, observed from Earth by optical tracking firm s2a Systems in Switzerland. During these maneuvers, the satellites orbited at over 22,000 miles above the equator, firmly in geostationary territory. Shijian-25's mission reportedly aimed to use robotic arms to latch onto Shijian-21 and replenish its fuel, enabling extended mission life. Shijian-21 had previously depleted much of its fuel in 2022 while towing a defunct BeiDou navigation satellite into a higher, inactive "graveyard" orbit, thus contributing to debris reduction. What People Are Saying Swiss optical tracking firm s2a Systems said on July 2: "After a day with small but relatively constant distance yesterday, the two objects came closer again today and can no longer be separated by our instrument since about 11:00 UTC (7 p.m. Beijing time)" What Happens Next Further confirmation of the suspected refueling and on-orbit servicing between Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 will depend on statements from Chinese authorities or future international tracking analysis.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Chinese satellites complete groundbreaking mission 22,000 miles above Earth
China's space program took a major stride this past week as two of its satellites seemingly docked together in what could have been the country's first high-altitude attempt at refueling a satellite while in orbit. The Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites appeared to dock with one another last week more than 20,000 miles above the planet in geosynchronous orbit, in which a satellite's orbital period matches the pace of the Earth's rotation, according to news outlet Ars Technica. Us Warfighters Are Losing A Massive Force Multiplier Advantage As China Advances In Space While Chinese officials have not recently released any updates about the two satellites, civilian satellite trackers showed Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 moving closer together before becoming indistinguishable from one another, Ars Technica reported. These two satellites docking in geosynchronous orbit could indicate that China has the potential to disable another country's satellite in space, Ars Technica reported. China Launches Tianwen-2 Space Probe To Collect Samples From Asteroid Near Mars Read On The Fox News App However, the U.S. Space Force has similarly been interested in orbital refueling as military satellites often have limited fuel supplies. The military branch is slated to perform its first-ever refueling of a U.S. military asset in orbit as early as next summer. American officials may have taken note of the apparent docking by China last week, as two of the Space Force's inspector satellites appeared to move closer to Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 following the maneuver, Ars Technica reported. Geosynchronous orbit, which is situated at an altitude of around 22,236 miles, is popular among military and commercial satellites as it means they have a fixed view of the planet and can provide military forces with information like early warnings of missile attacks, according to Ars Technica. China Accuses Us Of 'Turning Space Into A Warzone' With Trump's Golden Dome Missile Defense Project In April, Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman described China's explosive advances in space as "mind-boggling" and warned the U.S. is on a path to losing its dominance in orbit. Testifying before the bipartisan U.S.-China Commission, Saltzman said China is "heavily investing" in both ground-based and space-based weapons designed to disable enemy satellites, including kinetic strikes, radio-frequency jamming and directed energy weapons. China also increased its military spending by 7% this year, stockpiling anti-satellite missiles and claiming to possess directed energy weapons that use concentrated energy beams to jam satellite signals. The U.S. Space Force and NASA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for article source: Chinese satellites complete groundbreaking mission 22,000 miles above Earth
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
China's huge step in space that could have chilling impact if war breaks out
A tense space race is currently underway between NASA and China - with China now taking the lead in a move that could see it become able to disrupt the satellites' of other nations while in space China has taken one huge step in its space mission which could have a chilling impact here on Earth, and allow China to completely shut down communications and other vital infrastructure in a conflict scenario. Two of its satellites, the Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, appear to have docked together in the country's first attempt to refuel a satellite in orbit. The satellites performed the manoeuvre more than 20,000 miles above the Earth while in geosynchronous orbit - which matches the pace of the rotation of the planet. There haven't been any updates from Beijing on the move, but civilian satellite trackers show them closing in on each other until they merge in to one. According to Ars Technica, the two satellites docking in geosynchronous orbit could show China now has the technology to disable a satellite belonging to another country while in space. If another country's satellites were to be disabled in conflict, it could cause mass disruption - impacting everything from communication to navigation, weather forecasting and could even cause certain industries to shut down. The US Space Force is reportedly not far behind in its own research into orbital refueling. This is due to military satellites often having limited supplies. Next summer, the military wing of America's space exploration industry expects to perform its first refueling of a military asset. After the Chinese satellites docked, two of the Space Force's inspector satellites were seen moving towards them. Military and commercial satellites often choose geosynchronous orbit - which is at an altitude of around 22,236 miles - because it gives them a fixed view of a planet. It helps military forces detect early warnings of missile attacks. In April, China successfully launched three astronauts into space on a mission to re-staff its in-orbit space station. Staff who work at the launch site as well as some of their families and other members of the public gathered in organised lines to watch the rocket take-off. The launch of China's Shenzhou-20 was seen as a ramping up of a tense space race between NASA and China to create bases on the moon, and from there, lift off to Mars. The far side of the moon is an increasingly popular destination. Images show the three astronauts - or taikonauts as they are called in China - waving to adoring crowds and onlookers at the aunch event. The Shenzhou 20 mission's astronauts are Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, Lin Xiqiang, deputy director general of China Manned Space Agency, said. They were replacing three astronauts on the Chinese space station. The launch took place from Jiuquan, on the edge of the Gobi Desert, in northwestern China. Like those before them, they will stay there for roughly six months. The three-person crew were sent in October last year and have been in space for 175 days, said Lin.
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First Post
7 days ago
- Science
- First Post
China attempts unique feat in space, its 2 satellites try orbital refuelling at over 35,000 km altitude
China may have just become the first country to attempt satellite-to-satellite refuelling in geosynchronous orbit read more China appears to be on the verge of accomplishing a groundbreaking manoeuvre in space by attempting an orbital refuelling operation at geosynchronous altitude, some 35,786 kilometres above the Earth. According to reports, satellite movement suggested that the Chinese satellites Shijian-21 (SJ-21) and Shijian-25 (SJ-25) have recently docked in orbit, an event that may mark the first attempt at satellite-to-satellite refuelling at such an altitude. This development, although not confirmed by official Chinese sources, has sparked considerable interest and concern within the international space and defence communities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to open-source satellite trackers and optical imagery shared by firms like s2a systems and COMSPOC, SJ-21 and SJ-25 approached each other multiple times between June 13 and June 30, with the final rendezvous seemingly occurring on July 2. The two satellites have remained together ever since leading observers to believe that docking, and possibly refuelling, has occurred, Ars Technica reported. A dual-use technology with strategic implications Though the Chinese government has offered little recent commentary, earlier disclosures provide some insight. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), which developed both satellites, stated that SJ-25 was designed for 'the verification of satellite fuel replenishment and life extension service technologies'. Meanwhile, SJ-21, launched in 2021, had previously demonstrated its ability to capture and tow a defunct Beidou navigation satellite to a graveyard orbit, an operation officially described as a space debris mitigation test, reported. However, experts believe that there is more at stake than orbital cleanliness. Technologies capable of docking, manoeuvring and potentially refuelling satellites are considered 'dual-use,' suitable for both peaceful applications and military strategies. As former US Space Force Lt Gen John Shaw pointed out, these capabilities could eventually enable one satellite to intercept, inspect or even disable another nation's satellite without causing destructive debris, an article in Ars Technica said. Shaw emphasised that dynamic space operations, essentially the ability to move, inspect and refuel satellites, are a growing priority for the US military. However, he expressed concern that China might be leading the race, especially if the SJ-25 has successfully delivered fuel to the presumably depleted SJ-21. Importance of geosynchronous orbit Geosynchronous orbit (GEO) holds particular strategic importance for both military and commercial satellite operations. At this altitude, satellites remain fixed over a single point on Earth, making them ideal for tasks like secure military communications and early missile detection. Given the sensitivity and value of assets stationed in GEO, any operations involving close approaches or docking manoeuvres naturally attract scrutiny. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Because of this, the United States deployed two of its GSSAP (Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Programme) satellites—USA 270 and USA 271—to observe the Chinese activity. These satellites are designed to manoeuvre around GEO and inspect objects up close. However, as Shaw noted, their range is limited by fuel constraints, which is precisely why refuelling capabilities in space are being so closely watched, the South China Morning Post reported. Technical challenges and capabilities Refuelling in orbit, especially without human involvement, is an extraordinarily complex process. Unlike refuelling operations on space stations like the ISS or China's Tiangong, which benefit from human oversight, satellite-to-satellite refuelling must be performed autonomously. According to a 2022 paper in Aerospace Systems, challenges include precise docking, fuel transfer in microgravity and the risk of propellant boil-off. Once two spacecraft are docked, the servicing satellite, in this case SJ-25, would need to latch onto the target, likely with a robotic arm, remove protective coverings and initiate fluid transfer via pressurised systems. Propellants such as hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, commonly used in satellite thrusters, must be handled with extreme care due to their volatile nature. a report in the South China Morning Post said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Watching the watchers While China's demonstration is notable, it also reveals the escalating game of orbital chess now playing out above Earth. The US Space Force's inspector satellites were not the only watchers. China's own operators have become adept at evading surveillance. Shaw observed that Chinese satellites have been known to manoeuvre away when approached by GSSAP satellites, exploiting their predictable and limited movement patterns. If China succeeds in enabling its satellites to refuel at will, its capacity for dynamic space operations could outpace the US, diminishing the surveillance effectiveness of American assets like GSSAP. As Shaw remarked, 'the marginal cost of those maneuvers for them becomes even lower, and the challenge for GSSAP becomes even greater,' the Ars Technica said quoting the former military official. Global precedents and comparisons While this is potentially a first for high-orbit refuelling, it is not humanity's first venture into on-orbit servicing. In low Earth orbit, DARPA's Orbital Express mission in 2007 demonstrated autonomous docking and fuel transfer between two satellites. In geosynchronous orbit, Northrop Grumman's Mission Extension Vehicles (MEV-1 and MEV-2) successfully docked with ageing commercial satellites to extend their operational lifetimes, though without actually transferring propellant, said. Japan's Astroscale is also entering the arena, planning to demonstrate fluid-based refuelling in the coming year. Nasa, meanwhile, has been preparing its own high-profile OSAM-1 mission (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing), previously known as Restore-L, to refuel government satellites in low orbit. However, none of these missions—past or planned—has matched China's current feat in terms of orbital altitude, complexity or autonomy. India's position in on-orbit servicing India, while a growing space power with a track record of cost-effective innovation, currently lags behind in the niche domain of on-orbit satellite servicing and refuelling, especially at high altitudes like geosynchronous orbit. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has yet to announce or demonstrate capabilities akin to China's Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 missions or the US's Northrop Grumman's Mission Extension Vehicles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Isro has focussed heavily on Earth observation, communication satellites, planetary exploration and lunar missions such as Chandrayaan-3. India may eventually step into satellite servicing, given the growing importance of space sustainability and the potential for public-private partnerships in the sector. For now, India is more likely to observe global developments closely and build the requisite infrastructure before attempting such complex, autonomous operations in high Earth orbit. Unanswered questions and next steps Despite the numerous data points from commercial trackers like COMSPOC and optical firms such as S2A Systems, significant uncertainty remains. Joe Callaro, COMSPOC's operations lead, emphasised the limitations of visual tracking when two satellites become 'one pixel' in telescope imagery. RF and radar data help improve confidence, but they don't replace direct confirmation, according to Ars Technica. If confirmed, the success of this high-orbit refuelling test may signal a paradigm shift in how space operations are conducted both commercially and militarily. The ability to refuel satellites in geosynchronous orbit could dramatically extend their operational lives, reduce costs and enhance responsiveness to emerging threats. At the same time, it also highlights the need for transparency and dialogue in space affairs. With multiple nations now capable of sophisticated satellite servicing and, potentially, disruption, international norms and safeguards may be more urgent than ever.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
China testing orbital refueling procedures for satellite missions
June 10 (UPI) -- China is positioning a satellite to test its ability to refuel another in orbit over Earth and extend its mission for several more years. China's Shijian-25 satellite is designed to refuel and service other satellites while they stay in geostationary orbit over Earth, SpaceNews reported. A geostationary orbit is one in which a satellite or another spacecraft maintains its location over a particular point on Earth by orbiting at a speed that matches the planet's rotation. The satellites were positioned more than 900 miles from each other in low-Earth orbit on Monday. The Shijian-25 was launched in January to test its ability to refuel other satellites and spacecraft, such as the Shijian-21 satellite. Shijian-21 was launched in October 2021 and has already completed its mission to dock with the Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite and tow the defunct satellite to a so-called "graveyard orbit." Such an orbit positions defunct satellites well above geostationary orbit, so it won't interfere with active satellites. Two U.S. satellites are monitoring the two Chinese satellites, which completed several maneuvers over the past weekend to close the gap between them. The Chinese satellites are expected to dock on Wednesday and start a refueling procedure the test the viability of refueling satellites and other spacecraft while they are in geostationary orbit. If the test is successful, it means satellites could extend their missions for much longer than they initially were designed. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology designed the two satellites, and the Shijian-21 appeared to run out of fuel until its recent maneuvers to close the distance between it and the Shijian-25. If the two satellites successfully dock with one another, the Shijian-25 is expected to transfer 313 pounds of hydrazine to extend Shijian-21's service life by another eight years. The test is similar to one planned by U.S.-based Northrop Grumman, which intends to launch its Mission Robotic Vehicle next year to conduct similar servicing of U.S. satellites and spacecraft.
