tianyuan-1

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  • China Daily/via Reuters

    China successfully refuels a satellite in orbit

    by 
    Jon Fingas
    Jon Fingas
    07.02.2016

    China is now one of the precious few countries that knows how to refuel satellites in space. The nation's Tianyuan-1 system (launched aboard the Long March 7) has successfully topped up at least one satellite in orbit. Officials aren't describing the process beyond likening it to that for airplanes, but the result is clear: the refueling should help satellites stay in orbit for longer, or make adjustments that would otherwise be impractical.