China refuels BeiDou satellite in high Earth orbit for the first time

China has reportedly refuelled one of its BeiDou satellites in high orbit, with a tanker satellite transferring room-temperature propellant in February. The operation was only recently submitted for peer review to the Chinese Journal of Deep Space Exploration. In-orbit refuelling could extend the service life of navigation satellites without launching replacements.

• Refuelling took place in February; paper submitted to Chinese Journal of Deep Space Exploration
• Tanker satellite transferred room-temperature propellant thousands of kilometres above Earth
• Capability extends BeiDou satellite lifespans without launching replacements
• Rendezvous and docking tech could also support anti-satellite missions