“The first time that [China] publicly disclosed a capability on orbit to do refueling and servicing and that’s a game-changing technology,” Lerch said at Chatham House, a London-based think tank.
The US has explored similar technology. In 2019, aerospace giant Northrop Grumman became the first company to refuel satellites, extending their operational lives by five years. NASA had a related project, but it was canceled last year due to technical issues, cost overruns, and delays.
Stealth technology and military expansion
Beyond refueling, China is developing advanced stealth technology that could alter the balance of power in space. Lerch warned about the risks associated with China’s rapid advancements.