Maneuvered In Geosynchronous Orbit, U.S. To Test Soon

China’s space program took a bold step forward as two of its satellites in geosynchronous orbit appeared to dock in what might have been the country’s first attempt at refueling a satellite. Multiple civilian private satellite trackers using open source telescope imaging showed the Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites moving closer together and then merge into a single object.

Chinese officials have not released any public information on this mission but prior statements indicate that the Shijian-25, which launched in January 2025, is designed “for the verification of satellite fuel and life extension service technologies” according to the Chinese state-owned Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the developer of the satellite.

The technologies used in space can be said to be dual-use, that is, they have both civilian and military applications. In this case, a docking  maneuver could be a sign that China is developing a capability to approach, capture, and disable another country’s satellite.

The U.S. Space Force has also been interested in orbital refueling because military satellites often have limited fuel on board. The Space Force may run its first attempt at refueling next summer. American officials also appeared to notice the Chinese maneuver, as two of the Space Force’s inspector satellites appeared to move closer to the two Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites after the maneuver.

Geosynchronous orbits are at an altitude of around 22,236 miles and are desirable for commercial and military satellites because they have a fixed view of Earth and can provide coverage for communications and internet as well as surveil the planet for missile launches and other intelligence.

FMI:  www.spaceforce.mil/