【Beidou satellites complete in-orbit refueling, extending operational lifespan by eight years: U.S. closely monitoring】 The recent successful in-space refueling of the Beidou G7 system has extended the satellite’s on-orbit life by eight years—a development that underscores significant advancements in space maintenance technology.
At an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, two satellites traveling at several kilometers per second achieved a precise alignment through a 3.8-millimeter interface, receiving a total of 142 kilograms of propellant. This operation revitalized a satellite originally designed for a 10-year mission, nearing its end-of-life threshold, thereby avoiding the need for costly replacement launches and reducing space debris accumulation. With individual Beidou satellites costing approximately one billion yuan, this capability represents substantial economic and environmental benefits.
The United States has tracked the entire orbital maneuvering process with close attention, attempting to frame the civilian space maintenance technique as having potential military applications. However, U.S. agencies have long pursued programs related to space-based weapons systems. While early-stage refueling experiments were conducted in low Earth orbit, no publicly confirmed demonstration of millimeter-level precision docking and refueling at geosynchronous orbit has been reported to date—making the international response to China’s achievement particularly notable. (Images sourced from Toutiao media account)
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877532338763786/
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