Chinese space ambition shakes US dominance with new refuelling tech

• Chinese space technology: In January 2025, China conducted a key test of the Shijian-25 satellite, which included on-orbit refuelling that could extend the lifespan of spacecraft.
• Western reaction: Experts from the Chatham House think tank describe this technology as a "game changer," which raises concern in the United States.
• Space competition: China plans to dominate in space by 2050, while the USA currently has the advantage with over 8,000 satellites.

Chinese space technology gained prominence following the January test of the Shijian-25 satellite. This test included an innovative on-orbit refuelling method, which could significantly extend the lifespan of spacecraft. Although details are limited, experts in the West acknowledge it as a significant leap forward for the Chinese space programme.

Representatives of the Chatham House think tank describe Chinese achievements as "game-changing." Americans have also worked on similar technology but faced numerous technical issues and delays, leading to the suspension of the project. Meanwhile, China has not only succeeded in on-orbit refuelling but also in stealth technology, making their satellites harder to detect.

China aims to dominate space by 2050 and plans manned missions to the Moon and further explorations of Mars. Already, a Chinese rover is operating on the Red Planet, and numerous research instruments are positioned on the Moon. Americans do not intend to lag behind and plan their own missions to the Moon and Mars.

Currently, the USA has the advantage with over 8,000 satellites, which means there are about 12 times more than the Chinese ones. However, the gap between these countries is narrowing, and China's expansion on Earth, including the Belt and Road Initiative, increases the influence of the Middle Kingdom. Space competition is becoming increasingly fierce, and future conflicts may be decided in orbit.