Two Chinese satellites appear to have successfully docked in geostationary orbit for in-space refueling and servicing—a technical milestone that, if confirmed, would mark a first in orbital operations.
According to data from U.S.-based space tracking firm COMSPOC, Chinese spacecraft Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 seemed to visually merge between July 2 and July 6, suggesting a possible docking maneuver at around 22,236 miles above Earth. This altitude—known as geostationary orbit—is typically reserved for communications satellites and presents significant challenges for close-proximity operations due to the need to precisely match Earth’s rotation.
While the Chinese government has not officially confirmed the maneuver, analysts say the optical and tracking data strongly indicate that the two spacecraft completed some form of on-orbit interaction.
Newsweek has reached out to NASA and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) for comment.
Why It Matters
If verified, the operation would represent a major leap in autonomous space servicing—a field long viewed as critical for space sustainability. Refueling or repairing satellites in orbit can significantly extend their operational life and reduce the buildup of space debris.
Though the U.S. has successfully demonstrated autonomous docking and fuel transfer in low Earth orbit (notably during the DARPA Orbital Express mission in 2007), a successful operation in geostationary orbit would be a first for any country.
What We Know So Far
- Shijian-25 was launched earlier in 2025, reportedly as a platform to test mission-extension technologies.
- In June, tracking showed it gradually maneuvering closer to Shijian-21, a satellite known for its 2022 debris-removal mission in which it pushed a defunct BeiDou navigation satellite into a graveyard orbit.
- According to Swiss-based s2a Systems and U.S. military sources, the two satellites executed a series of close approaches:
- June 13: First close rendezvous, followed by temporary separation.
- June 30–July 6: Second and possibly final approach, where they appeared visually merged from Earth-based sensors.
Experts believe Shijian-25 may have used robotic arms to latch onto Shijian-21 and transfer fuel—a procedure that could revive or extend its mission life.
“The two objects came closer again today and can no longer be separated by our instrument since about 11:00 UTC,” s2a Systems reported on July 2.
What’s Next
Confirmation of this maneuver will likely require either:
- A formal announcement from Chinese space authorities, or
- Independent verification from international space surveillance networks in the coming weeks.
If validated, the mission would solidify China’s growing capabilities in advanced orbital servicing—a domain that could shape the future of satellite maintenance, space logistics, and defense.
