China has started launches in 2025 year since the successful launch of the Shijian-25 satellite, aimed at improving key on-orbit refueling technologies and extending the service life of satellites.
The Long March 3B rocket took off on 15:00 (Eastern time), 6 January , soaring into the night sky above the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, in southwestern China. Chinese Aerospace Scientific and Technical Corporation (Hull) confirmed a successful launch about an hour after launch, noting, that the payload was a Shijian-25.
The Shijian-25 was designed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Space Technology (Hes), the main subsidiary of CASC. According to a statement from SAST, the spacecraft will be used for "satellite refueling and life extension service technology testing".
No CASC, no SAST, nor did Chinese state media release any images of the spacecraft or the alleged test target. It seems, that the spacecraft is placed in geostationary orbit (GTO). Long March 3B is a rocket for launches to GTO, during the flight of which the closure of the airspace is reported, which the GTO trajectory predicts. The Chinese Shijian series is often associated with experimental and demonstration missions.
The Shijian-25 mission testifies to that, that China is focusing on improving support capabilities and extending the life of satellites, which are already in orbit. Such opportunities can reduce costs and increase the stability of space operations. The mission will also be carefully monitored by other participants in space activity, as the mission—especially if conducted with a low level of transparency—can be perceived as a dual-purpose mission. Although the mission may be focused on extending the life of a civil satellite, These opportunities can, example, to be used in the future to support military satellites through in-orbit maintenance. It is known, that the People's Liberation Army is working on technologies and training tools for refueling satellites in orbit as in a peaceful, as well as in wartime.
The mission began after the launch in 2021 year of the Shijian-21 satellite to combat space debris. Spaceship, also developed by SAST, He was up to the Beiduou's non -working navigation satellite and towed it into the cemetery's orbit over the geostationary belt, on the height 35 786 kilometers above the equator. This satellite could carry advanced docking mechanisms to capture, manipulating and moving satellites or debris.
Together missions show that, that China develops a comprehensive approach to space surgery problems, including constancy, Efficiency and reduction of garbage. China also has a commercial company, which plans the refueling and active demonstration mission to remove the wreckage. Meanwhile, the NormTrop Grumman Spacelogistics Subsidiary plans to 2026 year to run your new generation of Mission Robotic Vehicle satellite (MRV).
Shijian-25 was the first orbital launch of China in 2025 year. The country has not yet published a review of its plans for a year, but can plan again 100 or more running, As predicted CASC on 2024 year. At the same time, this was not achieved with 68 launches, which broke the national record by one run.
The main missions of China in 2025 The year will include a seven-piloted mission of Tianchzhou to the Tienchun Space Station and the Mission to Return the Earth-Earth Tyanven-2 Space Station.
Hull 6 January stated, that plans to run over 10 The Long March Series rocket 3 for 2025 year. This year the country will also present a number of disposable and multiple launchers.