China

Zhōngguó

中国

Hukeda-2 (Chinese experimental satellite)

Hǔkèdá èr hào

虎克达二号

satellite

wèixīng

卫星

in orbit

zài guǐ

在轨

successfully

chénggōng

成功

to complete

wánchéng

完成

first-ever

shǒucì

首次

fuel resupply / refueling

rányào bǔjǐ

燃料补给

experiment / test

shíyàn

实验

。

New Words

News in English

China Hukeda-2 Satellite Completes First In-Orbit Refueling Test With Robotic Arm

On March 24, China Hukeda-2 experimental satellite successfully completed its first in-orbit refueling test using a flexible robotic arm inspired by octopus tentacles.

On March 24, China's Hukeda-2 experimental satellite successfully completed its first in-orbit fuel resupply test. The satellite was launched on March 16 by the Kuaizhou-11 rocket. Equipped with a flexible robotic arm inspired by octopus tentacles, the satellite demonstrated agile bending capabilities. During testing, the mechanical arm successfully docked with the target interface. This technology helps extend the operational lifespan of in-orbit satellites. The satellite also carries an inflatable lightweight spherical device to assist with atmospheric reentry. This breakthrough in in-orbit refueling technology marks a new advancement in China's space service capabilities. In the future, this technology is expected to extend the in-orbit lifespan of deep-space probes and communication satellites.

More in Science & Technology