HELSINKI — The People’s Liberation Army is working comprehensively on the technology and training tools for refueling satellites while they are in orbit, in both peaceful and wartime situations.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is already integrating lessons learned into military doctrine and training tools, while a defense contractor has already demonstrated what it calls a space fuel tanker in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), according to a report by the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) March 18. report published by the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) March 18.
The report emphasizes that the PLA is strategically focused on improving its ability to provide logistics for spacecraft while they are in orbit and is involving commercial businesses in the space industry. These advancements could impact norms for international space operations and should prompt action from the U.S. Space Force to achieve similar capabilities and preparedness.
The report details work by the PLA since 2018 to develop a computer simulation program for training military satellite operators in refueling satellites while they are in space. This software aims to simulate the space environment and services provided to satellites while in orbit for training, evaluation, and technology testing purposes.
Discussions on refueling satellites and removing debris while they are in orbit have been included in PLA textbooks since 2013, indicating an effort to make these missions a normal part of the PLA’s operations and to influence international norms regarding space operations.
The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) has been promoting its satellite-refueling spacecraft since 2018. It successfully demonstrated its capabilities across late 2021 and early 2022 with Shijian-21. That mission saw the spacecraft dock with a defunct Beidou GNSS satellite in GEO and deliver it to a higher, so-called graveyard orbit.
The report seeks to assert that these capabilities could help the PLA sustain operations in space while they are in orbit during wartime, an event deemed overlooked in comparison to a much-discussed, lower probability of a surprise satellite grappling event. It also notes a role for commercial actors.
“With more clarity on the PLA’s requirements for satellite logistics, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has approved new commercial players to enter the field to provide, not only technology, but also frameworks to shape international norms,” the report states.
The report notes that commercial companies are already active in the field. One firm named “Intersteller Walk” signed a launch agreement with Beijing-based launch service provider iSpace for a mission to demonstrate patented docking port technology using a satellite equipped with two robotic arms. That launch of a Hyperbola-1 solid rocket failed, however, in February 2021.
The development indicates growing interest and investment in servicing spacecraft while they are in orbit within China, with China’s Ministry of Science and Technology also having included on-orbit servicing in its technology development plans since 2016. Intersteller Walk is thus likely one of several firms exploring this space, according to the report.
The report notes that the US intelligence community is aware of China’s advancements in servicing spacecraft while they are in orbit, which could also potentially serve as weapons in space. It also suggests that the US Space Force should proactively engage in training for servicing spacecraft while they are in orbit to enhance readiness, rather than waiting to develop its own servicing equipment.
A 2021 SpaceNews report stated that the leader of Space Force logistics mentioned that the culture of military satellite operators has not yet caught up to the technology. canceled announced the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (OSAM) 1 mission, which has experienced extensive delays and cost overruns, with a multibillion-dollar budget.
The report states that China’s progress in on-orbit servicing has mostly gone unnoticed, and it suggests that there has been too much focus on a low-probability satellite grappling event.
Meanwhile, deliberate activities and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) have taken place in the GEO, resembling a game ofcat and mouse, and involving satellites from the U.S., Russia, and other entities. China.
