The US has accused China of conducting dangerous satellite maneuvers in space, comparing them to close air combat tactics. Gen. Michael Guetlein, deputy chief of the Space Force, made the announcement during a defense conference. He noted that the military observed synchronous maneuvering of five objects in low orbit that were controlled from Earth.
According to Guetlein, these actions are part of China’s strategy to practice satellite-to-satellite space operations tactics. These are the three Shiyan-24C experimental vehicles and two Shiyan-6 05A/B objects that made a series of approaches last year. These reconnaissance spy satellites are believed to be used to intercept military communications.
China has also been accused of “zigzagging” its satellites, which poses a collision risk with other spacecraft. In addition, the general recalled Russia’s “matryoshka” satellite, a satellite that released smaller vehicles to track U.S. targets in 2019.
Guetlein emphasized that Russia and China were deliberately violating international space security norms. “Unfortunately, our current adversaries are willing to go against that gentleman’s agreement, and they’re willing to do it in very unsafe and unprofessional manners,” the general told Defense One.
According to the head of the Space Force, this is leading to a growing capability gap between the U.S. and its opponents, which threatens to cause a loss of control over outer space.
“Our success depends on investment in space technology,” the general said, emphasizing the need to strengthen the military budget. Experts warn: These actions may become a catalyst for a new arms race, where the Earth’s orbit will become an arena of confrontation.
Earlier we reported on Russia’s need for nuclear weapons in space.
