X Report 5 Mar 2025
SpaceX's busy launch schedule faces scrubs, while industry leaders call for infrastructure upgrades, highlighting challenges in the bustling space sector.
Shijian-25 (SJ-25) (62485)
COSPAR: 2025-002A | Alt Name: Shi Jian 25
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 6, 2025
Launch Site
Xichang Satellite Launch Center
Launch Pad
LC-3
Launch Vehicle
Long March 3B/E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62485
International Designator
2025-002A
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 19:46:25 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
5.19°
Right Ascension
60.97°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
176.58°
Period
1435.98 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
Shijian-25 (SJ-25)
Alternative Name
Shi Jian 25
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Successfully launched on January 6, 2025, marking China's first rocket launch of the year.
Latest TLEs
1 62485U 25002A 26199.82390307 -.00000358 00000+0 00000+0 0 9998
2 62485 5.1867 60.9651 0050886 176.5823 122.7745 01.00279843 5670
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Shijian-25 (SJ-25) satellite, also known as Shi Jian 25, was successfully launched on January 6, 2025, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 3B/E launch vehicle. It is owned by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and manufactured by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST). The satellite has dimensions of 5 meters in length and 2.5 meters in diameter, with a span of 30 meters due to its two solar panels. Weighing 5000 kilograms at launch and 2500 kilograms dry mass, it is primarily white with gray accents and made from lightweight aluminum alloys and composite materials.
Its primary mission involves testing on-orbit refueling technologies and extending the operational lifespan of satellites, aiming to enhance China's capabilities in satellite servicing and sustainable space operations. The Shijian-25 uses a three-axis stabilization system for precise orientation control during its missions. Its visual magnitude is estimated at 5.5 based on reflectivity and dimensions. Specific transmitter frequencies are not publicly disclosed.
Related satellite: Shijian-21.
Sources include various reputable space news and technology websites and the manufacturer's own press releases.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
2.5
Span
30
Dry Mass
2500
Launch Mass
5000
Shape
Box with two solar panels
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Estimated at 5.5 based on dimensions and reflectivity
Color
Predominantly white with gray accents.
Material Composition
Constructed using lightweight aluminum alloys and composite materials.
Technical Details
Payload
Shi Jian 25
Purpose
Technology demonstration for satellite servicing
Mission
The Shijian-25 satellite is designed to test and validate technologies for on-orbit refueling and extending the operational lifespan of satellites. These advancements aim to enhance China's capabilities in satellite servicing and sustainable space operations.
Manufacturer
Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST)
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SJ21
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Three-axis stabilization system to maintain precise orientation during operations.
Transmitter Frequency
Specific frequencies not publicly disclosed.
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 13 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites as Starship prepares for full stack testing, amidst Musk's new governmental role.
X Report 12 Aug 2025
SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.
Space Brief 27 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.
Space Brief 28 Nov 2025
Discover the latest on China's Zhuque-3 launch, ISS crew updates, ESA's budget dealings, a strategic super-resolution partnership, and ACME Space's innovative plans.
X Report 15 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, while Starship prepares for its ninth test flight next week.
X Report 8 Aug 2025
SpaceX celebrates its 100th launch of the year with a Falcon 9 mission carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites, while Crew-10 prepares for its return from the ISS and the company expands its interplanetary ambitions with new Mars partnerships.
The Day America Reached Orbit
Sixty-three years ago, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, piloting Friendship 7 through three historic orbits that transformed the Space Race