Overview
- Optical observations on Nov. 29 by Swiss firm S2a showed Shijian‑21 and Shijian‑25 separated in geosynchronous orbit, with their paths inclined by about 4.6 degrees to the geostationary belt.
- The satellites conducted rendezvous and proximity operations before apparently docking in late June or early July, then performed fuel‑intensive orbital plane‑change maneuvers while conjoined.
- Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology has said Shijian‑25 was launched in January to test on‑orbit refueling and mission‑extension technologies in GEO, but officials have not confirmed the outcome.
- Integrity ISR assessed the new inclination as matching several Chinese GEO spacecraft, including TJS‑11 and TJS‑19, suggesting potential candidates for future servicing or proximity operations.
- Analysts highlight that on‑orbit servicing could extend satellite lifespans and reduce costs, yet the same rendezvous and manipulation capabilities raise clear military concerns in the GEO region.