2 Chinese spacecraft just met up 22,000 miles above Earth. What were they doing?

China’s Shijian‑21 and Shijian‑25 satellites recently executed a rendezvous in geostationary orbit about 22,000 miles above Earth, likely conducting a rehearsal for on‑orbit servicing. Tracking data from s2a systems showed they approached within unresolvable proximity on June 13–14, indicating a test of docking and separation maneuvers. This operation is part of China’s efforts to develop satellite refueling and lifespan-extension technologies, following Shijian‑25’s January mission to demonstrate refueling in orbit and Shijian‑21’s earlier role in moving a defunct satellite to a graveyard orbit. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the duo's activity occurred alongside U.S. reconnaissance satellites, underlining growing global interest in geosynchronous servicing capabilities. More

(Source: Space.com - Jun 20)