# Four Operating Modes Tested: Space Refueling Moves Closer to Reality

- slug: four-operating-modes-tested-space-refueling-moves-closer-to-reality
- date: 2026-04-02
- category: Space & Aerospace

Four modes green. Commercial data unusual for a Chinese startup this size. But 10–20 GEO satellites per year run dry from fuel depletion, and the US has four refueling missions launching in 2026. On-orbit refueling just crossed from demo to infrastructure.

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