China’s landmark orbital refuelling mission: why US spy satellites hover nearby

Shijian-25 is expected to use its robotic arms to latch onto Shijian-21 and replenish its fuel

Shijian-25 is expected to use its robotic arms to latch onto Shijian-21 and replenish its fuel. The latter used up much of its propellant in 2022 while towing a defunct BeiDou navigation satellite into a higher graveyard orbit.

Space race elevates Asia in new world order

Meanwhile, United States surveillance satellites USA 270 and USA 271 have flanked the two Chinese satellites from the east and west after conducting multiple manoeuvres last week and are positioned for optimal viewing angles, according to a social media post by COMSPOC, a Pennsylvania-based space situational awareness company.

Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astronomer and space historian, said the behaviour of the American satellites was highly uncommon.