Claims China’s BeiDou satellite was refuelled in orbit could change space race
Chinese researchers appear to have revealed a previously unknown satellite-to-satellite refuelling operation in high Earth orbit, putting the country at the forefront of a technology that could reshape the space race. In a paper undergoing peer review for the Journal of Deep Space Exploration, the team said China had “successfully provided room-temperature propellant refuelling for a high-orbit…
Chinese researchers have reported a potential breakthrough in the space race, as they claim to have successfully refueled a high-orbit BeiDou satellite using satellite-to-satellite refueling technology for the first time. This development could significantly reshape the competitive landscape, as the technology enables satellites to extend their lifespan and maintain crucial services like navigation and communication.
The BeiDou system, China's answer to the US GPS, is vital for a multitude of applications, from financial transactions to military operations. A separate study by Chinese scientists stated that the refueling process involved 142kg of propellant, extending the operational life of the BeiDou-2 G7 satellite by eight years. However, the US Space Force has raised doubts about the possibility of such a maneuver, citing discrepancies in tracking data and orbital trajectories.
The confirmation of this technology's capabilities could have significant implications for future space exploration and potential military conflicts.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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