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Chinese Satellites Complete First High-Altitude Rendezvous For Possible Groundbreaking Refueling
Wednesday July 9, 2025. 09:00 AM , from Slashdot
![]() In January, a satellite designated SJ-25 was launched 'for the verification of satellite fuel replenishment and life extension service technologies,' according to the Chinese state-owned designer, Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (via Ars Technica). Sometime last week, it matched orbits with the SJ-21 satellite, which previously conducted space debris maneuvering tests in 2021 and has remained in a geosynchronous orbit ever since. Last week, the two satellites matched orbits and seemingly docked together. Analysts believe the newer SJ-25 has likely proven refueling is possible even for geosynchronous satellites without the need for a manned crew to facilitate it. In an effort to prove this, two US Space Force's inspector satellites have positioned themselves in closer orbits to SJ-25 and SJ-21 for improved optics. China continues to suggest these missions are part of a debris clean-up program, though it hasn't publicly made any statements about the recent alleged docking and refueling to celebrate its successes. If it doesn't, the only way we'll know if a refueling maneuver was successful is if the SJ-21 satellite unshackles from its younger sibling and performs fuel-demanding maneuvers that its previously estimated fuel levels shouldn't allow for. Read more of this story at Slashdot.
https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/07/08/2239218/chinese-satellites-complete-first-high-altitude-ren...
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