US and China: A Space Race Turning into Potential Orbital Conflicts?
The escalating competition between the US and China in space is raising concerns about potential conflicts in Earth's orbit. Experts are calling for a new approach to managing this rivalry, including the crucial establishment of a space hotline for orbital emergencies.
Recent reports highlight the growing militarization of space by both nations. A task force report sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) emphasizes the urgent need for the United States to prioritize space, not just economically but also in terms of national security. According to Esther Brimmer, a senior fellow at CFR, the report outlines a seven-part plan to reshape U.S. leadership in space.
Retired U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General Nina Armagno, co-chair of the CFR report, pointed out the booming space economy and the increasing congestion and debris in orbit. She stressed the absence of clear rules in the "space domain." Armagno also voiced concerns that the CFR report, directed at the Trump administration, might fall on deaf ears. However, she also mentioned that China is preparing for potential conflicts in space and honing "dogfighting" skills.
The CFR report underscores the need for rules of the road in space and proposes the creation of a hotline similar to the one the U.S. has with Russia. "So in case of an emergency or a miscalculation, we can pick up the phone and get the truth," Armagno stated.
Another critical area highlighted is search and rescue in space. While there is an agreement to rescue astronauts on Earth, there's nothing in place for rescuing astronauts in space. Armagno suggests pursuing this topic with China to establish necessary steps for cooperation in emergency situations.
Samuel Visner of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in securing space. He cautioned that commercial space endeavors are increasingly becoming "targets of our adversaries." He cited the cyber attack on a space system used by Ukraine as an example of Russia's willingness to target commercial space systems.
Meanwhile, Alvin Holsey, commander of the U.S. Southern Command, voiced military concerns about China's growing space infrastructure in Latin America. According to Holsey, there are 10 PRC linked sites across 5 countries in the region. China's space infrastructure is the biggest outside of China and makes military worried.
Adding complexity, Chinese satellites have been observed making unusual maneuvers, raising questions about their intentions. There is a concern that Chinese satellites may be used to capture detailed images, closely inspect enemy satellites, intercept radio frequency signals, or even inflict damage on rival spacecraft.
In conclusion, the escalating space race between the U.S. and China, compounded by military concerns and satellite maneuvers, emphasizes the urgency of establishing clear rules and communication channels in space. Can a space hotline prevent miscalculations and pave the way for cooperation in this critical domain? What other measures are needed to secure space and avoid potential conflicts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
