China's Mystery Satellite Shiyan-28B 01 Suddenly 'Woke Up' After 6 Days. What This Means

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 15:39 IST

Doubts persist over China's intentions as Shiyan satellites, though said to study space, are speculated by experts to have hidden military purposes due to their secretive nature

Space expert Jonathan McDowell noted that China has never utilised an orbit with such a low inclination before. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

The world was left in astonishment when China’s mysterious satellite, Shiyan-28B 01, unexpectedly ‘woke up’ in orbit after six days of ‘silence’. Launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center on July 3, the satellite initially went undetected by any space tracking systems, despite standard protocol where satellites typically become traceable within 24 to 48 hours of launch.

Started Responding After 6 Days

The satellite finally resurfaced on July 9 when the Space Force’s Space Domain Awareness Unit in the United States identified it in an orbit of 794 × 796 kilometres with an inclination of only 11 degrees. This was a significant deviation from its expected inclination of 35 degrees at launch. The rocket carrying the satellite altered its trajectory thrice, reducing the inclination, a highly unusual manoeuvre.

What Makes This Orbit Unusual?

Space expert Jonathan McDowell noted that China has never utilised an orbit with such a low inclination before. This orbit directly traverses the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, suggesting that its purpose might extend beyond ‘technology testing’ to potential surveillance or strategic objectives.

Why Are China’s Moves Under Scrutiny?

Doubts have been cast on China’s intentions as the Shiyan series satellites have a history of being enigmatic. While China claims these satellites are intended to study the ‘space environment’, experts speculate many have military applications.

Notably, two Chinese satellites recently executed a special docking operation involving orbital refuelling, a technology that can prolong a satellite’s operational life and sustain military surveillance.

NASA Also Watching Closely

The US space agency NASA is closely monitoring the activities of this satellite. China’s burgeoning space capabilities and covert missions are raising concerns globally. In addition to its plans to send samples to the Moon and Mars, China is also disrupting the global equilibrium with its clandestine actions in orbit.

Location :

China

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News world China's Mystery Satellite Shiyan-28B 01 Suddenly 'Woke Up' After 6 Days. What This Means