New Rhythms in GEO: A Quantitative Analysis of Unusual Behavior in Geosynchronous Orbit by Chinese Satellites, 2016–2025

Cover Design: Madeleine Chang/Leena Marte

Cover Design: Madeleine Chang/Leena Marte

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For decades, geosynchronous orbit (GEO) has operated under a simple assumption: Satellites stay put. That assumption no longer holds. A small but significant subset of Chinese satellites are moving through the GEO belt in ways that challenge international norms, raise questions about the International Telecommunication Union's slot-assignment paradigm, and demand closer attention from space domain awareness analysts. The U.S. Space Force has criticized Chinese GEO operators for making "norm-shattering" movements in orbit.

This report offers the first open-source, data-driven quantitative analysis of unusual Chinese satellite behavior in GEO between 2016 and 2025. Drawing on positional data for 109 Chinese GEO satellites, the analysis identifies nine high-activity satellites and organizes them into four behavioral categories—the Larks, the Skyliners, the Drifters, and the Ink Spots—each offering distinct clues about China's evolving on-orbit strategy.

This report is made possible by general support to CSIS. No direct sponsorship contributed to this report.

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China, and Space and Aerospace
Madeleine Chang

Madeleine Chang

Former Horizon Fellow, Aerospace Security Project
Kari Bingen

Kari A. Bingen

Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department

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