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China researchers describe room-temperature refuelling for high-orbit BeiDou
The researchers said the approach was tested for the first time on a high-orbit BeiDou satellite, and they highlighted follow-on work needed for transferring extremely low-temperature propellants.
Chinese researchers say they have demonstrated satellite-to-satellite propellant refuelling in high Earth orbit, describing it as a first for a BeiDou satellite. The work, published in a peer reviewed paper being considered for the Journal of Deep Space Exploration, claims China “successfully provided room-temperature propellant refuelling for a high-orbit BeiDou satellite for the first time,” according to SCMP Economy.
The researchers from the state funded Deep Space Exploration Laboratory did not provide operational details about how the refuelling was carried out. They said the operation gave China valuable experience, but also emphasized that additional technologies are needed to transfer extremely low temperature propellants.
They added that low temperature propellants can offer better performance for large spacecraft and deep space missions, setting out a focus for future development tied to long duration exploration capabilities, the article said.