Spacecraft to extend lifespan of satellites

Chinese satellite experts are designing a new type of spacecraft that will be capable of moving a de-orbiting satellite back into its intended orbit, thus extending its period of service.

The China Academy of Space Technology, part of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, said in a statement that its engineers are conducting research and development on the proposed spacecraft that would help bring satellites that have run short on fuel or experienced technical problems back to their designed trajectories.

Normally, a satellite needs to periodically use up a certain amount of fuel to maintain its preset orbit. When its fuel runs down, the satellite often deviates from its designed path.