China has launched the Shijian21 satellite launched. The main purpose of the satellite is to validate and test space debris containment technology. From the Xichang Satellite Launch Center this satellite was launched. It was launched by using the Long March 3B rocket. This is the 393rd start of the Long March series. Shijian21 has now started working in the geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Highlights
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation confirmed the launch of the Shijian-21 satellite. The name Shijian means experiment or exercise in English. This is a series of satellites that are generally technology demonstration satellites. That is, these satellites are used to test, practice and validate various new technologies. In the year 1971 the first Shijian satellite which was named Shijian-1 was launched.
About the satellite
This satellite was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. The orbit of Shijian21 is a geostationary transfer orbit. Geostationary transfer orbit is the earth-centered orbit. The orbit lasts about 11 hours on an average.
Chinese Space Debris Monitoring and Application Center
In the year 2015, the Space Debris Monitoring and Enforcement Center was established by the National Space Administration of China. The center analyzes hazards, tracks waste, develops elimination as well as prevention plans, creates databases and liaises with other countries and several other international organizations.
Space Debris
Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to debris generated in space by human activity, such as obsolete artificial satellites, old satellites, natural debris such as erosion, collisions and collapse and rockets,. Tons of existing moving space debris can reach average speeds of up to 10 km/hr and can damage the spacecraft.
Concerns regarding Shijian21
Shijian21 is attracting international attention as it is considered a threat to other satellites. The space debris reduction demonstration uses the same functionality as a military satellite. In other words, a satellite that can destroy space debris can destroy other satellites as well. China has not released any information about the satellite either. This attracted international colleagues. The Shijian17 satellite also had a robotic arm used to collect space debris. It started in 2016. It may also catch satellites. And Shijian21 is an advanced version that threatens other satellites when it is compared to Shijian17. However, according to China, Shijian is for tech demonstrations and experimental uses only.