Chinese satellite and enigmatic object orbiting

As space development progresses, the problem of space debris in orbit around the Earth is getting serious. There has also been an accident where the International Space Station’s robotic arm collided with such a piece of space debris and was damaged. On October 24, 2021, China launched an experimental satellite, Shijian-21, used to verify space debris removal technology, but the U.S. space force is said to have identified a mysterious object orbiting with Shijian-21. .

On October 24, 2021, China mounted the experimental satellite Xijien-21 on a satellite launch rocket Jangjeong-3B and launched it from the Seochang Satellite Launch Center. Developed by the Shanghai Hangcheng Institute of Technology, the Xujien-21 will be used to verify space debris removal technology, but further details have not been revealed.

On November 1, the U.S. Space Force’s 18th Space Control Squadron discovered a mysterious object floating in orbit alongside Sigen-21 and registered the international satellite identification code 2021-094C. The U.S. Space Force is identifying for 2021-094C as the Apogee Kick Motor used to put satellites into geostationary orbit from geostationary transfer orbit.

Normally, after use, the Apogee kick motor discharged from the satellite is discharged to the graveyard orbit higher than the geostationary orbit, but this 2021-094C orbits on the same geostationary orbit as the satellite body. One expert points out that it’s a bad idea to throw an apothecary motor into geostationary orbit and it’s very rare.

However, this speculation is based on the assumption that 2021-094C is an apothecary motor. One report points out that it is unknown whether the 2021-094C is actually an apothecary motor, and there is a possibility that it is an object related to the space debris removal technology within the SiGen-21, or an object used for close-range manipulation or refueling experiments outside the satellite.

The expert also said that he did not know why the US Space Force thought the second object was an apocalyptic motor, and questioned whether this was a mere guess or a result of classifying sensor data that is connected to the conclusion. In addition, he pointed out that although objects separated from the artificial satellites gradually move away from the satellites, SIJN-21 and 2021-094C are floating 60 km away from each other, so they may be payloads that work in tandem. It is possible that it is monitoring radio signals from other satellites. It is pointed out that it is necessary to continuously check what kind of operation will be carried out for several months.

In 2018, China also launched an unidentified payload along with Tongxin Jishu Shiyan-3 (Tongxin Jishu Shiyan-3). It is also pointed out that Sijin-21 and this satellite may be related in some way. Related information can be found here.