Additional Coverage:
- China is sending military gear into orbit at a ‘mind-boggling’ pace, says US Space Force chief (newsbreak.com)
US Space Force Chief Raises Alarm Over China’s Military Space Capabilities
The head of the US Space Force, Gen. Chance Saltzman, has expressed concern about China’s rapid advancement in military space capabilities. He believes the threat posed by China in orbit is more pressing than the potential risk of Russian nuclear weapons in space.
China’s development of military satellites, which could be used for targeting missions on Earth, is a major concern for the US. Saltzman also worries that China is developing hypersonic weapons and other technology capable of evading US defenses.
Growing Space Warfare Threat
China’s space ambitions are a significant concern for US officials, as the country aims to become a “space power in all respects.” In recent years, China has significantly expanded its space program, challenging the US’s long-standing dominance in the field.
NASA chief Bill Nelson has warned that China is disguising its military activities in space as civilian projects. Despite China’s claims that it has no intention of militarizing space, it is believed to be developing weapons that could threaten US satellites.
Pivotal Moment for US Space Dominance
The US is at a critical juncture in its space leadership, according to Troy Meink, deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office. The US’s space capabilities are being challenged by competitors who are actively seeking to undermine them.
China’s investment in space has surged to $14 billion in 2023, while the US Space Force has requested $29.4 billion for 2025. The US relies heavily on private companies like SpaceX for space defense, which has secured recent contracts worth $733.5 million for national security missions.
Analysts believe that control of the space domain will determine the future of the global economy. The US, which once held preeminent space power, must address the growing threat from China and Russia to maintain its dominance.