SJ-21 and SJ-25: Rendezvous and Proximity Ops Timeline (June–July 2025) After a brief encounter in mid-June, a second campaign began later that month. On 2 July, both satellites became optically indistinguishable, suggesting docking or sustained close proximity. As of 18 July, there’s still no optical confirmation of separation. Orbital behavior remains consistent with a docked or rigidly co-orbiting pair. Thanks to data from @OurSkyAI, @ObservableSpace, @spacefluxHQ, and @COMSPOC’s optical network. Our Ops team—using the SSASuite—was able to resolve and track each maneuver throughout the engagement. See the timeline of relevant events below!

Recent observations from @OurSkyAI and @ObservableSpace, supported by COMSPOC’s optical network, reveal several significant activities in GEO between 6–8 June 2025. SHIJIAN-25 (SJ-25) performed four maneuvers between 6 June 01:50 UTC and 7 June 16:51 UTC, using a total delta-v of 8.29 m/s and increasing its drift rate from –0.006°/day to -1.535°/day. USA 270 performed two maneuvers between 6 June 01:48 UTC and 7 June 14:11 UTC, expending 4.081 m/s delta-v and increasing its drift rate from 0.078°/day to 1.349°/day. USA 271 executed two in-track maneuvers on 7 June between 02:49 UTC and 18:14 UTC, utilizing 0.945 m/s delta-v and slightly decreasing its drift rate from 0.989°/day to 0.972°/day. As of 9 June 16:45 UTC, SJ-25 is within 2° longitude of SJ-21. USA 270 and 271 now flank SJ-21 and SJ-25 from the east and west—potentially enabling favorable sun angles depending on the timing of closest approach.