China has marked the start of its 2025 space activities with the successful launch of the Shijian-25 satellite, designed to advance technologies for on-orbit refueling and extending satellite lifespans.
A Long March 3B lifts off from Xichang, carrying Shijian-25 to orbit. . Credit: Ourspace
A Long March 3B rocket lifted off at 3:00 p.m. Eastern (2000 UTC) on January 6 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the success of the launch about an hour later, revealing the payload to be the Shijian-25 satellite.
Advancing Space Servicing Technology
The Shijian-25 satellite, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a subsidiary of CASC, aims to test and verify technologies for satellite fuel replenishment and life extension. While CASC and SAST have not disclosed images or specific targets for the tests, the satellite appears to have been placed into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), based on airspace closure notices and the Long March 3B’s standard capabilities.
China’s Shijian satellite series is typically associated with experimental and technology demonstration missions. The Shijian-25 mission highlights the country’s growing focus on maintaining and prolonging the operational lifespan of satellites in orbit, a capability that could lower costs and enhance sustainability in space operations.
Dual-Purpose Implications
The mission is likely to attract attention from the global space community, particularly due to concerns over its potential dual-use nature. While the stated objective is civilian satellite servicing, similar capabilities could also be applied to military satellites for refueling and maintenance during both peacetime and conflict.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has previously been linked to the development of on-orbit servicing technologies. Such advancements have raised questions about their potential strategic applications in space.
A Continuation of Space Servicing Development
The Shijian-25 mission follows the 2021 launch of the Shijian-21 satellite, which demonstrated space debris mitigation capabilities. Shijian-21 successfully docked with a defunct Beidou navigation satellite and relocated it to a graveyard orbit. The mission likely involved advanced robotic arms or docking mechanisms, showcasing China's growing expertise in on-orbit servicing and debris management.
Together, these missions reflect China's comprehensive approach to addressing challenges in space operations, including sustainability, efficiency, and debris reduction.
Future Plans for 2025
The Shijian-25 launch is China’s first orbital mission of 2025, with more than 10 Long March 3 series launches planned for the year, according to CASC. China is expected to continue targeting an ambitious launch cadence, potentially exceeding 100 launches. In 2024, the country achieved 68 orbital launches, setting a new national record.
Major missions slated for 2025 include crewed Shenzhou flights and Tianzhou cargo missions to the Tiangong space station, as well as the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return mission. China also plans to debut a range of new expendable and reusable launch vehicles.
China’s push for satellite servicing mirrors global efforts in the field. Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics subsidiary is planning to launch its next-generation satellite servicing vehicle, the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), in 2026. Meanwhile, Chinese commercial companies are also exploring active debris removal and satellite refueling technologies.
With the successful launch of Shijian-25, China has set the stage for a busy and ambitious year in space exploration and technology development, further solidifying its position as a major player in the global space arena.
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