The Chinese satellite TJS-3, which was launched in 2018, collected information about the devices of other countries that are in geostationary orbit, Space reports.. com.

Tongxin Jishu Shiyan Weixing-3 (TJS-3), vaguely named experimental communications satellite, was launched into geostationary orbit in late 2018. He then launched a small sub-satellite, perhaps to test his capabilities..

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Orbital data suggests that TJS-3 has been approaching US spacecraft in recent months.. In particular, it drifted quietly in geostationary orbit, but stopped to take a closer look at the satellites USA 233 and USA 298, which are considered military communications satellites operated by the US space forces..

Satellites in geostationary orbit are 35,786 kilometers above the planet, where their speed matches the planet's rotation, and they appear to be fixed above a single point on the surface below. But a spacecraft that slightly raises or lowers its orbit can drift west or east in relation to others and view them.

The Satellite Dashboard web tool shows that on October 31, TJS-3 approached the satellite USA 233 at 6.2 kilometers.

In recent years, US, Russian, and Chinese satellites have increasingly reconnoitred each other's satellites in geostationary orbit, using close approaches to acquire images and other data..

Earlier, Sky News, citing US Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, reported that the Chinese satellite company Spacety, blacklisted by the United States, provided aerial photographs to Wagner PMC militants.. This helped them adjust their strikes at the front in Ukraine..