on-orbit servicing Archives - SpaceNews

Chinese on-orbit servicing startup Space Robot raises funds for constellation plans

by Andrew Jones October 20, 2026October 20, 2026

HELSINKI — Chinese startup Space Robot has raised nearly $15 million to build a constellation of servicing spacecraft, having launched a tech demo satellite in 2025.

What Comes Next for On-Orbit Servicing? (Replay)

by SpaceNews Editor September 14, 2026September 23, 2026

Chinese startup tests flexible robotic arm in space for on-orbit servicing

by Andrew Jones April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Nighttime launch of the Long March 3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25 satellite, illuminating the surroundings at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Civil

China’s Shijian spacecraft separate after pioneering geosynchronous orbit refueling tests

by Andrew Jones November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

Shijian-21 lifting off atop a Long March 3B on Oct. 24, 2021. The Shijian-21 spacecraft later successfully docked with a defunct Chinese satellite to alter its orbit.

Civil

Chinese spacecraft begin rendezvous and proximity operations in geostationary orbit

by Andrew Jones June 30, 2025July 1, 2025

Nighttime launch of the Long March 3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25 satellite, illuminating the surroundings at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Civil

Chinese spacecraft prepare for orbital refueling test as US surveillance sats lurk nearby

by Andrew Jones June 10, 2025June 10, 2025

Nighttime launch of the Long March 3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25 satellite, illuminating the surroundings at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

China’s expanding footprint in geostationary orbit raises security concerns

by Andrew Jones March 12, 2025March 12, 2025

Nighttime launch of the Long March 3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25 satellite, illuminating the surroundings at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

China launches Shijian-25 satellite to test on-orbit refueling and mission extension technologies

by Andrew Jones January 6, 2025January 6, 2025

A hexagonal main satellite with solar arrays and a grappling mechanism approaches a small cubesat in orbit above the Earth.

Chinese on-orbit servicing and debris removal company secures early funding

by Andrew Jones September 16, 2024September 16, 2024

Northrop Grumman's MEV-1 snapped this picture of Intelsat-901 prior to docking with the satellite.

Increasingly feasible, on-orbit servicing has a challenging road to market

by Alexandre Corral July 3, 2024July 10, 2024

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