A Chinese commercial satellite has successfully carried out a refuelling-related technology test in low Earth orbit, marking a step forward in efforts to extend the operational lifespan of spacecraft. The demonstration involved a flexible robotic arm designed to perform complex servicing tasks in space, including aligning with and connecting to refuelling ports.
The satellite, known as Hukeda-2 or Yuxing-3 06, was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and later conducted a series of in-orbit tests using its multi-jointed robotic arm. Developed with input from Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, the system is designed to operate in constrained environments and perform precision tasks in microgravity, according to the South China Morning Post.
The robotic arm features a structure composed of interconnected, spring-like tubes controlled by internal motors and tensioned cables. This design allows it to curl, twist, and wrap around objects, enabling maneuverability in tight or irregular spaces. A nozzle-like tip at the end of the arm is engineered to align with a target interface, a critical requirement for in-orbit refuelling operations.
While details remain limited, it is not confirmed whether the satellite successfully docked with another spacecraft during the test. Achieving such a connection presents significant technical challenges, as satellites in low Earth orbit travel at speeds approaching 27,000 kilometers per hour. Engineers have described the process as comparable to threading a needle while both objects are in rapid motion.
During development, the robotic system encountered stability issues under simulated space conditions. Thermal vacuum testing revealed that temperature fluctuations could induce uncontrolled oscillations in the arm. Researchers addressed the issue by refining the control algorithms, stabilizing the system within a short development window.
Orbital tracking data from the United States Space Force indicates that Hukeda-2 is operating at an altitude of approximately 530 to 540 kilometers in a sun-synchronous orbit. This trajectory allows the satellite to maintain consistent lighting conditions as it passes over different regions of Earth, which is beneficial for observation and testing purposes.
The project represents a notable development in China’s commercial space sector. The satellite was jointly developed by Hunan University of Science and Technology and Suzhou Sanyuan Aerospace Technology, making it one of the first missions of its kind led outside a state-owned enterprise.
In-orbit refuelling is considered a key capability for future space operations, particularly for high-value satellites that are otherwise limited by fuel constraints. Extending mission lifespans could reduce costs and improve sustainability in increasingly congested orbital environments.
China has previously conducted related experiments, including a satellite-to-satellite refuelling test involving Shijian-25 and Shijian-21 in geosynchronous orbit. Those tests demonstrated the feasibility of servicing spacecraft at much higher altitudes, roughly 36,000 kilometers above Earth.
In addition to refuelling technologies, Hukeda-2 is also testing a deployable drag device designed to accelerate its deorbit process. The system, which expands into a balloon-like structure, increases atmospheric resistance and may offer a method to reduce long-term orbital debris by ensuring satellites re-enter Earth’s atmosphere more quickly after completing their missions.
The latest test highlights ongoing efforts to develop autonomous servicing systems in space, with implications for satellite maintenance, debris mitigation, and the long-term sustainability of orbital infrastructure.