China has reportedly completed the world’s first successful satellite refueling in space.
Between June and July 2025, two Chinese satellites — Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 — docked in geostationary orbit about 22,000 miles above Earth. Tracking data from US firm COMSPOC and Switzerland’s s2a systems showed the satellites staying connected for days, indicating a likely fuel transfer.
Shijian-25, launched in January 2025, was specifically built to test in-orbit refueling. Shijian-21 had earlier used most of its fuel towing a defunct satellite to a graveyard orbit in 2022.
This breakthrough could be a game-changer for future deep space missions and long-term Mars exploration by extending satellite lifespans and reducing launch costs.
The MES Times
China has reportedly completed the world’s first successful satellite refueling in space.
Between June and July 2025, two Chinese satellites — Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 — docked in geostationary orbit about 22,000 miles above Earth. Tracking data from US firm COMSPOC and Switzerland’s s2a systems showed the satellites staying connected for days, indicating a likely fuel transfer.
Shijian-25, launched in January 2025, was specifically built to test in-orbit refueling. Shijian-21 had earlier used most of its fuel towing a defunct satellite to a graveyard orbit in 2022.
This breakthrough could be a game-changer for future deep space missions and long-term Mars exploration by extending satellite lifespans and reducing launch costs.
#China #SatelliteRefueling #SpaceTech #Shijian21 #Shijian25 #MarsMission #DeepSpace
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