China's huge step in space that could have chilling impact if war breaks out

China has taken one huge step in itsspace mission which could have a chilling impact here on Earth, and allow China to completely shut down communications and other vital infrastructure in a conflict scenario.

Two of its satellites, the Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, appear to have docked together in thecountry's first attemptto refuel a satellite in orbit. The satellites performed the manoeuvre more than 20,000 miles above the Earth while in geosynchronous orbit - which matches the pace of the rotation of the planet. There haven't been any updates from Beijingon the move, but civilian satellite trackers show them closing in on each other until they merge in to one.

According to Ars Technica, the two satellites docking in geosynchronous orbit could show China now has the technologyto disable a satellite belonging to another country while in space. If another country's satellites were to be disabled in conflict, it could cause mass disruption - impacting everything from communication to navigation, weather forecasting and could even cause certain industries to shut down.

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The US Space Force is reportedly not far behind in its own research into orbital refueling. This is due to military satellites often having limited supplies. Next summer, the military wing of America's space exploration industry expects to perform its first refueling of a military asset. After the Chinese satellites docked, two of the Space Force's inspector satellites were seen moving towards them.

Military and commercial satellites often choose geosynchronous orbit - which is at an altitude of around 22,236 miles - because it gives them a fixed view of a planet. It helps military forces detect early warnings of missile attacks.

In April, Chinasuccessfully launched three astronauts into spaceon a mission to re-staff its in-orbit space station. Staff who work at the launch site as well as some of their families and other members of the public gathered in organised lines to watch the rocket take-off.

The launch of China's Shenzhou-20 was seen as a ramping up of a tense space race between NASAand China to create bases on the moon, and from there, lift off to Mars. The far side of the moon is an increasingly popular destination.

Images show the three astronauts - or taikonauts as they are called in China - waving to adoring crowds and onlookers at the aunch event. The Shenzhou 20 mission’s astronauts are Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, Lin Xiqiang, deputy director general of China Manned Space Agency, said.

They were replacing three astronauts on the Chinese space station. The launch took place from Jiuquan, on the edge of the Gobi Desert, in northwestern China. Like those before them, they will stay there for roughly six months. The three-person crew were sent in October last year and have been in space for 175 days, said Lin.