China has made a significant milestone in its space program by successfully docking two satellites, Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, in geosynchronous orbit. The satellites, which are approximately 20,000 miles above the Earth’s surface, appear to have moved into position last week, with civilians tracking their movement.
The successful docking could indicate that China has developed the capability to refuel a satellite in space, potentially giving it an advantage over other countries. This technology is also of interest to the US Space Force, which plans to perform its first-ever orbital refueling mission as early as next summer.
Geosynchronous orbit, at an altitude of around 22,236 miles, is a popular location for military and commercial satellites due to its fixed view of the planet and ability to provide critical information such as early warnings of missile attacks.
China’s space program has been rapidly advancing in recent years, with the country investing heavily in ground-based and space-based weapons designed to disable enemy satellites. The US Space Force is taking note of China’s advancements and is preparing for a potential response.
The successful docking by China could have significant implications for the global balance of power in space, as it may enable the country to disable other nations’ satellites in orbit. The US Space Force has warned that it is on a path to losing its dominance in orbit if China continues to advance at this rate.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/chinese-satellites-complete-groundbreaking-mission-22000-miles-earth