China launched the "Hobot" satellite—a combined space fuel station and tractor in one unit

China launches its first commercial satellite refueling vehicle “Hookeda‑2”

* Launch date and site – March 16 from the Jiuquan Spaceport using a solid‑fuel Kuaizhou‑11 rocket.

* Designers – a joint effort between Hunan University of Science and Technology and Suzhou Sanyuan Aerospace Technology.

What Hookeda‑2 does
1. Satellite refueling

* The satellite is intended to replenish fuel reserves for spacecraft that have depleted their supplies but are still operational.

* This is China’s first civilian project; similar tasks were previously carried out exclusively by the military (two unofficial cases).

2. Flexible manipulator testing

* The manipulator resembles an “octopus tentacle” and can smoothly bend along its entire length, enabling precise grasping and docking.

* Onboard simulations will cover target recognition to “fuel transfer” (without actual transfer). This will test autonomy, safety, and operational accuracy.

3. Rapid de‑orbit technology

* The satellite is equipped with a lightweight inflatable balloon about 2.5 m in diameter. When inflated it sharply increases atmospheric drag.

* This shortens natural decay time from decades to roughly one year – an important step toward reducing space debris.

How this fits into the broader program
* The mission continues a series of orbital servicing experiments begun in 2025 (Shijian‑21 and Shijian‑25) focused on geostationary orbits.

* Now the priority shifts to the commercial sector and low Earth orbit, opening new opportunities for extending satellite lifespans.

Thus, Hookeda‑2 aims not only to prove refueling technology but also to offer a practical way to reduce space debris, making it an important step toward sustainable orbital operations.