Synopsis
China’s Space and Counterspace Capabilities
China has made rapid advances in its space program over the past few decades, developing a range of capabilities that have military applications and pose a strategic risk to the United States. The report provides an overview of China’s space and counterspace programs and their implications.
Space Infrastructure and Operations
A key development was the establishment of the People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (PLASSF) in 2016, which consolidated control over space launch, tracking, communications, and other operations under a single command. The PLASSF manages space situational awareness through a network of ground stations and ships that can monitor objects in space. It has also launched advanced remote sensing, communications, and navigation satellites that significantly enhance China’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
China now has four main space launch centers that have launched over 100 satellites in recent years using Long March rockets. The PLASSF also operates satellite control and data relay centers to manage spacecraft once in orbit. Looking ahead, China aims to complete its Beidou global navigation system in 2020, providing an alternative to GPS. It also plans to assemble a crewed space station in orbit before 2025.
Military Applications
China’s growing space capabilities directly support and enable the modernization of its military forces. Remote sensing satellites are being used for maritime surveillance, providing targeting data for the PLA’s expanding arsenal of anti-ship missiles. Communications and data relay satellites allow real-time transmission of ISR data to commanders in the field. The Beidou system also assists precision strike operations. Ultimately, freedom of action in space is seen as essential for conducting joint campaigns along China’s periphery and beyond.
Counterspace Weapons
In addition to its own space systems, China has developed an array of counterspace weapons that can threaten U.S. satellites. In 2007, China conducted a successful test of a kinetic kill vehicle that destroyed one of its old weather satellites. China also has ground-based satellite jammers and is researching directed energy weapons for attacks on satellites in orbit. The opacity of China’s programs raises concerns that additional counterspace capabilities may exist.
Implications
China’s advances in both space and counterspace capabilities pose a serious threat to U.S. military operations, which rely heavily on satellites for communications, navigation, intelligence and more. China’s goal appears to be denying the U.S. unimpeded access to space during a regional conflict. If realized, this erosion of U.S. space superiority would significantly reduce America’s ability to intervene against Chinese aggression.
In summary, China’s space program exemplifies its rise as a strategic competitor to the United States. The race for space dominance has serious implications for the military balance of power and crisis stability going forward. Maintaining America’s edge will require investments in next-generation space systems and deterrence options.
