The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology developed the two satellites. This is a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Shijian-25 launched in January this year, while Shijian-21 has been in space since 2021. Shijan-21 has already been involved in a complex orbital operation. In 2022, the satellite docked with Beidou-2 G2, a defunct Chinese navigation satellite. Shijan-21 then towed the satellite to a graveyard orbit above GEO. China is about to perform a critical orbital refueling test. If all goes to plan, the test will help validate a technology that could dramatically extend the lifespan of satellites and spacecraft in orbit. For the test, two Chinese satellites will rendezvous in geostationary orbit. They will then dock with one another for an experimental demonstration. The US is keeping a close eye on developments, as the two nations continue to spar over global space leadership.China’s satellite operation will be closely observed by two US surveillance spacecraft. The Pentagon is concerned that the new technology represents a significant leap for China’s space program. Is America afraid of Chinese space technology ?
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