China Launches Military Satellite That Will Test 'Space Debris Mitigation Technology': State Media

The satellite was placed into “a geosynchronous transfer orbit.”

By Edited by Gadgets 360 Newsdesk | Updated: 28 October 2021 11:31 IST

China Launches Military Satellite That Will Test 'Space Debris Mitigation Technology': State Media

Photo Credit: SpaceChina.com

The satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre

Highlights

The satellite is called Shijian-21
It was launched aboard a Long March 3B rocket
Shijian-21 will blast space debris

China has launched a military satellite that will test its “space debris mitigation technology," the state media reported earlier this week. The satellite was launched on Sunday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, Sichuan province, Southwest China. Though only a few details were available about the classified launch, some state media reports said the mission was successful. A video of the launch showed a gigantic rocket blasting off the launch site into a cloud of orange hues against a background of mountains or hills. The satellite onboard the Long March 3B rocket is called Shijian-21.

The satellite will be "used for the verification of space debris mitigation technology," China Central Television (CCTV) said in a report. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation — a state-owned enterprise designing, manufacturing, and launching space systems — added the launch was a "complete success" as the satellite achieved its intended orbit. It did not, however, say which orbit the satellite entered. A SpaceNews report, however, said the satellite was placed into “a geosynchronous transfer orbit.” Watch the liftoff here.

China’s Mars Rover in ‘Excellent Condition’, Will Continue Exploration

The Chinese mission took place amidst a global drift towards reducing space debris or creating technologies to do that. Since the space debris mitigation technologies are “dual-use,” with both civilian and military applications, the satellite is likely to attract interest outside China. Though Chinese state media suggested the launch was aimed at testing space debris removal technology, the same capabilities could also be used to disable spacecraft of adversaries.

China's space programme has attracted wider scrutiny of late, especially after it allowed a rocket to fall back uncontrolled to Earth. The rocket part disintegrated over the Indian Ocean but there was immense speculation where the 18-tonne object would hit. The country has invested billions of dollars into space exploration to boost its global stature and technological might.

What's most interesting about Apple's new MacBook Pros, M1 Pro and M1 Max silicon, AirPods (3rd Generation), and Apple Music Voice plan? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.