China's Qingzhou prototype cargo spacecraft successfully tested capturing and towing 'non-cooperative' space targets. This development advances the capability for orbital tow trucks to clear space debris and decommissioned satellites.

China’s prototype Qingzhou robotic cargo spacecraft successfully conducted capture and towing operations on “non-cooperative” space targets, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday. The progress paves the way for so-called orbital tow trucks capable of clearing space debris and derelict satellites. The prototype spacecraft launched last month also conducted a suite of in-orbit experiments designed to sustain long-duration missions, according to CCTV. These included automated metal...