Chinese satellites Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 for the second time carry out operations of rapprochement in geostationary orbit (GEO), located at approximately at a height 35 786 km above the equator of the earth. These maneuvers, probably, is a preparation for testing technology for refueling satellites in space.
30 June Swiss company S2A Systems, which specializes in optical observation of space objects, recorded, that Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 came close to each other so much, that they are almost impossible to distinguish in the pictures. Satellites are about on 128 degrees of oriental longitude. In the last days they have gradually shortened the distance between themselves, that may indicate preparation for joining or testing and refueling and maintenance in space.
The second stage of tests
This is the second case, When Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 conduct rapprochement operations. Earlier, 13 June, According to the American company Comspoc, which develops software to monitor the space setting, satellites approached the distance less than 1 km and, perhaps, They even made joining. Later that day they dispersed, And to 16 June distance between them increased to over 120 km.
Observation from the outside
Interesting, that near Chinese satellites is USA satellite 270, which is part of the Geosynchronous Space Situable Awareness Program (GSSAP). This satellite, probably, watches the actions of Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, that can indicate US interest in Chinese space technology.
Value for the future
China has not yet commented the course of the mission, But the official statement, probably, will appear after successful completion of the refueling test. But, Observation of companies like S2A Systems and Comspoc allow you to receive information on real -time events.
Source: https://spacenews.com