According to a recent report by the U.S. military, China and Russia are clandestinely using space to advance their military aims. Both countries are utilizing satellites with dual-use capability while concealing their military objectives. They have been identified as testing counterspace weapons to disrupt American satellites and space services.
The report, “Competing in Space,” was written in partnership with the National Space Intelligence Center and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center. It underscored the ambiguity of many spacecraft technologies, which allow countries to mask their hostile activities.
For example, it outlined how China has utilized a debris mitigation satellite to tow a defunct Chinese navigation satellite to a graveyard orbit. The report also noted that China and Russia are developing directed-energy weapons and ground-based laser systems which have the potential to interfere with or damage satellite sensors.
Further, China has ambitions to land astronauts on the moon by 2030. It is also involved in a planned moon base project alongside Russia, involving several other nations. The report mentioned China’s activities at Lagrange Points in space, remarking on the strategic value of these regions for longer-term missions.
Competition between the U.S., China, and Russia extends beyond Earth’s immediate orbits. A growing number of countries and nations are becoming involved in space, increasing the vulnerability of space-based technologies. The report raised concerns about the lack of international consensus on major norms, rules, or principles governing activities in space. China and Russia’s draft treaty for space does not adequately address the issue of anti-satellite weapons.
In conclusion, the expansion of space capabilities has exacerbated vulnerabilities in space and on Earth, making it essential for the international community to establish norms to guide activities in space.