Recently, China's "Shijian-21" and "Shijian-25" satellites conducted their second close-range operation in the geostationary orbit (about 35,786 kilometers above Earth), drawing global attention. According to a Swiss space surveillance company, after several days of approaching each other, the two satellites entered extremely close proximity, with optical tracking images showing that they were almost indistinguishable, suggesting that docking may be about to occur, or possibly conducting on-orbit refueling or maintenance tests.
This is a key step in China's first attempt at satellite-to-satellite refueling technology. According to analysis by an American company, on June 13, the two satellites had approached within less than one kilometer, conducting a 90-minute close-range operation, which may have been a docking rehearsal or attempt. This operation further validated China's ambition in high-orbit autonomous satellite services, a technological breakthrough that the United States has not yet achieved.
The mission of the "Shijian-25" satellite focuses on testing "on-orbit refueling and satellite lifespan extension technology." According to official Chinese media reports, this mission aims to maintain and extend the lifespan of satellites in orbit, reduce operational costs, enhance sustainability, and address the increasingly severe issue of space debris.
On-orbit refueling technology is the core of autonomous satellite services in geostationary orbit, involving high-precision docking, fuel transfer, and complex orbital maneuvers. It requires extremely high navigation, control, and robotic technologies. Successfully achieving this technology would place China among the global leaders in the aerospace field, challenging traditional aerospace powers such as the United States and Europe. Through missions like "Shijian-25," China has verified its capability for on-orbit maintenance and refueling, significantly extending the lifespan of satellites (typically around 15 years for GEO satellites). This not only improves the efficiency of satellite operations but also lays the technical foundation for future deep-space exploration and complex aerospace missions.
On-orbit refueling and maintenance can reduce the production of discarded satellites, alleviate the problem of space debris, align with the global trend of sustainable space development, and enhance China's voice in international space governance.
We need to recognize that the manufacturing and launching of geostationary orbit satellites are costly (the cost of a single satellite can reach hundreds of millions of dollars). By refueling and maintaining satellites in orbit, the lifespan of satellites can be extended, reducing the need for new satellite launches, thereby significantly lowering the long-term costs of aerospace projects. On-orbit service technology can give rise to new business models, such as providing satellite maintenance services to other countries or commercial companies. China can thus enter the global aerospace service market, gain economic benefits, and expand its international market share. On-orbit refueling technology can also provide infrastructure support for future space economies (such as satellite networks and space station operations), enhancing China's competitiveness in the development and utilization of space resources.
From a military perspective, geostationary orbit satellites are widely used for communication, navigation, and intelligence gathering, making them important assets for national security. On-orbit refueling can ensure that these satellites remain functional when needed, enhancing the sustained operational capabilities of China's space assets.
Mastering on-orbit service technology means China may have the capability to intervene or repair other countries' satellites, which has potential strategic deterrent effects in the context of the militarization of space.
On-orbit refueling technology can be applied to both civilian and military scenarios, such as supporting military communication satellites or developing more advanced space weapon systems, enhancing China's comprehensive strength in the space domain.
The United States has not yet achieved on-orbit refueling for GEO orbit satellites. If China succeeds, it will take the lead in this area, enhancing its position in global aerospace competition. China can use its on-orbit service technology to collaborate with other countries, increasing its geopolitical influence. Further consolidating its status as a global power.
However, on-orbit refueling involves high-risk operations, and failure could damage the satellites.
Evidently, the strategic significance of China's on-orbit refueling technology lies in the comprehensive enhancement of technological innovation, economic benefits, military resilience, and international impact. It is not only a leap in aerospace technology but also an important step for China to pursue leadership in the space domain. If missions like "Shijian-25" succeed, China is expected to usher in an era of "nanny" satellites, reshaping the global aerospace landscape, while laying the foundation for the long-term development of the space economy.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7531969678642561562/
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