Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

Behind China's 123-day space rescue: Gravity slingshot and auto-piloted satellites

Gong Zhe

 , Updated 22:59, 20-Apr-2025
04:20

China faced an unexpected challenge when a rocket launch failed in March 2024, leaving two satellites stranded in the wrong orbit. But what seemed like a disastrous setback turned into one of the most ambitious space rescue missions ever attempted.

Over 123 grueling days, Chinese engineers used gravity from the Earth, moon, and sun as a cosmic slingshot to guide the satellites back on track.

This incredible feat not only saved the mission but also showcased groundbreaking techniques that could redefine how we navigate deep space.

What makes this mission even more fascinating is the cutting-edge technology behind it. The rescued satellites are part of a new constellation designed to act as "beacons in space," enabling precise navigation far beyond Earth's orbit.

They pave the way for autonomous spacecraft piloting, drastically reducing human intervention while opening up possibilities for future lunar exploration.

If you're curious about how these advancements could shape the next era of space travel, don't miss this video – it's a journey through ingenuity, resilience and humanity's relentless pursuit of the cosmos.

Read more about China's 123-day space rescue: The math that defied the odds

Search Trends