And now the question is, are the satellites really related to the HOTS mission, or is this something else?
It could be a replacement of the failed Shiyan 9 mission.
Chinese GSSAP sounds logical.
Shiyan 9 mission failed ?
That is my guess.
The satellite is currently still in 502x35790 km orbit.
Shiyan-9 is mainly used for in-orbit verification tests of new technologies such as space environmental monitoring.
According to this commemorative cover both payloads were named Shijian-17-
02 and Shijian-17-
03 before launch.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.
Both are now stable at 94.2°E
Both in drift to East since Jan 07.
On Jan 26-28, the two SY-12 has separated by 0.14 degrees.
Before Jan 7, the distance was the same.