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China Launches 'Shijian-25' Satellite to Experiment with Orbital Refueling in Space.

Science and Technology | Dated: 16 Jan 2025

In January 2025, China successfully launched the 'Shijian-25' satellite into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) using a Long March 3B rocket. This marked China’s first space mission of 2025.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China.
  • - This mission also marked the 555th launch of the Long March series of rockets and China’s first rocket launch of the year.
  • - The 'Shijian-25' satellite, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), aims to test technologies for in-orbit refueling and extending satellite lifespans, with the Long March 3B rocket serving as a key vehicle for China’s GTO launches since 1996.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) This mission follows the 2021 launch of the Shijian-21 satellite, which focused on space debris mitigation and was also developed by SAST.
  • (ii) The mission aims to improve China's sustainability and reduce costs in space operations by verifying technologies for satellite refueling and extending their operational lifespans.
  • (iii) The satellite is equipped with advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology for high-resolution imaging and precise spatial data collection, while China also plans additional missions in 2025, including crewed missions to the Tiangong space station and the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return mission.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which satellite was recently launched by China to experiment with orbital refueling in space?

Correct Answer: Shijian-25

🚀 Quick Recap:

About China

  • President: Xi Jinping
  • Capital: Beijing