The US and China are expanding capabilities for military operations in space
China and the United States are developing technologies that could be used if military confrontation extends into space. In June, a Chinese uncrewed spaceplane released a small satellite in orbit, where commercial and military spacecraft operate. According to the Jerusalem Post, which published Reuters material, the object circled another Chinese satellite and later returned toward the spaceplane.
US company LeoLabs, which tracks space objects, said that the mission and purpose of the satellite remain largely unknown. The US military also operates an uncrewed spaceplane resembling a small shuttle. The US Space Force says it conducts tests and experiments.
Maneuverable satellites and orbital rendezvous
Researchers linked to the Chinese military are working on technologies for satellites capable of pursuing and potentially capturing other spacecraft, as well as on in-orbit refueling systems. Reuters cites patent documents, procurement notices and scientific papers. Such capabilities may also have non-military purposes.
Chinese satellites have carried out synchronized maneuvers near one another, which US officials call orbital “dogfighting.” Chinese spacecraft have also demonstrated the ability to capture a non-operational satellite and move it to another orbit. According to a US Space Force representative, China likely attempted in-orbit refueling last year.
Chief of Space Operations of the US Space Force General Chance Saltzman, who is preparing to retire, said in July that China is rapidly developing ground- and space-based capabilities able to disrupt operations or destroy targets. He called the threat from China “substantial.”
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Joint US-UK operation
In September last year, the US and British militaries conducted the first known joint space operation by two members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. According to Slingshot Aerospace, a US military satellite approached a British one when China’s Shiyan 12-01 satellite passed about 83 kilometers below them. Specialists consider such a distance at that altitude relatively close.
Three experts with military experience told Reuters that the maneuver appeared intended to send a signal to Beijing. China’s Foreign Ministry said it was not familiar with the specific details of the operation and that, in general, it opposes the militarization of space and supports its peaceful use. Beijing also accused Washington of fueling a space arms race.
Counter-satellite capabilities
Western officials warn of threats to space systems, including ground-based lasers, electronic warfare jamming systems, cyberattacks and anti-satellite missiles. The United States, China and Russia—the aggressor state—have maneuverable satellites capable of approaching and inspecting other spacecraft. According to Western officials, such systems can be adapted to carry weapons, including lasers or projectiles.
In June, the US Space Force announced the commissioning of a ground-based electromagnetic system made by L3Harris Technologies, designed to disable or disrupt enemy satellites.
