China has reportedly completed the world’s first successful satellite refueling in space.
Between June and July 2025, two Chinese satellites — Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 — docked in geostationary orbit about 22,000 miles above Earth. Tracking data from US firm COMSPOC and Switzerland’s s2a systems showed the satellites staying connected for days, indicating a likely fuel transfer.
Shijian-25, launched in January 2025, was specifically built to test in-orbit refueling. Shijian-21 had earlier used most of its fuel towing a defunct satellite to a graveyard orbit in 2022.
This breakthrough could be a game-changer for future deep space missions and long-term Mars exploration by extending satellite lifespans and reducing launch costs.
