Story perspectives

China's Shijian Satellites Separate, Spark Transparency Concerns

12/1/2025

Summary

Story summary

Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites separated in geosynchronous orbit after low-profile on-orbit refueling tests.
The satellites docked in late June or early July and performed fuel-intensive maneuvers altering inclination.
Observations on November 29 confirmed their separation, and their new orbits align with Chinese and U.S. satellites.
The lack of official commentary raises transparency concerns, while the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is developing on-orbit refueling technologies.

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Story summary

Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites separated in geosynchronous orbit after low-profile on-orbit refueling tests.
The satellites docked in late June or early July and performed fuel-intensive maneuvers altering inclination.
Observations on November 29 confirmed their separation, and their new orbits align with Chinese and U.S. satellites.
The lack of official commentary raises transparency concerns, while the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is developing on-orbit refueling technologies.