China has commenced its ambitious 2025 space launch plans by successfully sending the Shijian-25 satellite into orbit. The launch represents a significant step in testing on-orbit refueling and satellite life extension technologies, potentially shaping the future of space sustainability and operations.
A Long March 3B rocket lifted off on January 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China. Within an hour, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the successful deployment of the Shijian-25 satellite, developed and produced by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST).
The mission emphasizes the verification of technologies for ‘satellite fuel replenishment and life extension service’. Although CASC and SAST have not disclosed images or test targets, it is anticipated that the satellite has been placed into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), based on airspace closure notifications indicative of a GTO trajectory.
The Shijian series of satellites is known for experimental and demonstration purposes. The Shijian-25 mission underscores China’s focus on enhancing capabilities to maintain and extend the operational lifespan of satellites. These developments are crucial for reducing costs and promoting sustainability in space activities.
While primarily aimed at extending the lifespan of civilian satellites, these technologies could also serve military needs. The mission’s potential dual-use applications draw interest from global space entities, given the low transparency levels historically associated with such Chinese missions.
This launch follows China’s 2021 deployment of the Shijian-21, which demonstrated capabilities in space debris management. The Shijian-21 successfully docked with a defunct Beidou navigation satellite and maneuvered it to a graveyard orbit, showcasing robotic capabilities for satellite relocation and debris management.
This latest mission indicates China’s comprehensive approach towards tackling challenges in space, including efficiency, sustainability, and debris reduction. Moreover, it aligns with China’s strategic goals of advancing satellite servicing technologies, echoing efforts seen with commercial counterparts and international entities like Northrop Grumman.
China’s 2025 space endeavors are set to include further significant missions such as the crewed Shenzhou and Tianzhou cargo missions to the Tiangong space station, along with the Tianwen-2 near-Earth asteroid sample return mission. CASC plans over 10 more Long March 3 series rockets this year, indicating a robust schedule of orbital launches.
The successful launch of Shijian-25 marks a pivotal moment in China’s space exploration ambitions, emphasizing technological advancement in satellite servicing. This mission not only demonstrates China’s growing capability but also reflects broader trends in the evolving landscape of global space operations.
Source: Spacenews
