Latest news with #ShanghaiAcademyofSpaceflightTechnology
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
China testing orbital refueling procedures for satellite missions
June 10 (UPI) -- China is positioning a satellite to test its ability to refuel another in orbit over Earth and extend its mission for several more years. China's Shijian-25 satellite is designed to refuel and service other satellites while they stay in geostationary orbit over Earth, SpaceNews reported. A geostationary orbit is one in which a satellite or another spacecraft maintains its location over a particular point on Earth by orbiting at a speed that matches the planet's rotation. The satellites were positioned more than 900 miles from each other in low-Earth orbit on Monday. The Shijian-25 was launched in January to test its ability to refuel other satellites and spacecraft, such as the Shijian-21 satellite. Shijian-21 was launched in October 2021 and has already completed its mission to dock with the Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite and tow the defunct satellite to a so-called "graveyard orbit." Such an orbit positions defunct satellites well above geostationary orbit, so it won't interfere with active satellites. Two U.S. satellites are monitoring the two Chinese satellites, which completed several maneuvers over the past weekend to close the gap between them. The Chinese satellites are expected to dock on Wednesday and start a refueling procedure the test the viability of refueling satellites and other spacecraft while they are in geostationary orbit. If the test is successful, it means satellites could extend their missions for much longer than they initially were designed. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology designed the two satellites, and the Shijian-21 appeared to run out of fuel until its recent maneuvers to close the distance between it and the Shijian-25. If the two satellites successfully dock with one another, the Shijian-25 is expected to transfer 313 pounds of hydrazine to extend Shijian-21's service life by another eight years. The test is similar to one planned by U.S.-based Northrop Grumman, which intends to launch its Mission Robotic Vehicle next year to conduct similar servicing of U.S. satellites and spacecraft.
Al Bawaba
12-04-2025
- Science
- Al Bawaba
China launches secret satellite into orbit
Published April 12th, 2025 - 08:05 GMT ALBAWABA – China launched a secret satellite into orbit two days ago. Long March 3B rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, placing the TJS-17 satellite into geostationary orbit. Also Read Italian company unveils reusable space rockets TJS-17 satellite secretly launched by China 2 days ago According to sources, China secretly launched the TJS-17 satellite two days ago from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC), also known as the Xichang Space Center—a spaceport located in Zeyuan Town, China. The satellite was launched at 12:47 p.m. Eastern (1647 UTC) April 10 aboard a Long March 3B rocket and placed into geostationary orbit. Experts believe the satellite may be capable of tracking missiles and inspecting other satellites. The mission is linked to electronic intelligence gathering, orbital object inspection, and early warning systems. (Shutterstock) The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a Chinese space agency under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), stated that the TJS-17 satellite is intended to test surrounding communication systems and related technologies. As China secretly launched the satellite into orbit, experts believe the mission is linked to electronic intelligence gathering, orbital object inspection, and early warning systems. Also Read China successfully launches new data transmission satellite © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Iraqi News
01-04-2025
- Science
- Iraqi News
China launches internet technology test satellites
INA - SOURCES China conducted a new launch for a nebulous series of internet technology test satellites. A Long March 2D rocket lifted off at 12:00 a.m. (0400 UTC) on April 1 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Insulation tiles fell away from the payload fairing as the rocket climbed into a clear blue sky, propelled by a hypergolic exhaust plume. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a state-owned rocket maker, announced the success of the launch, revealing the payload to be a satellite Internet technology test satellite (wexing hulianwang jishu shiyan weixing). According to SAST, the satellite will be used mainly for technical tests and verification of direct-to-cell satellite broadband and space-ground network integration. The company did not provide further details or images of the satellite. The Radio Management Bureau of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reported that the launch carried four internet satellite test satellites, designated 0001-0004, carrying Ka and other frequency band payloads.
