China’s Anti Satellite Technology
As the global space race heats up, China's satellite-grabbing technology has become an increasingly important issue in the security realm. China's ability to capture and manipulate other satellites in space has significant implications for military and intelligence capabilities, as well as for the stability and security of the international community. This article examines China's satellite-grabbing technology and its potential applications in the security realm, including the risks and benefits of such capabilities. we hope to shed light on the evolving landscape of space-based capabilities and the implications for global security.
Satellites are critical components in modern military operations, providing essential communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities. Military satellites enable global communication networks, including voice and data transmission, which are essential for the command and control of military forces. Satellites also provide navigation signals, which are used for precision targeting and navigation of military assets.
During conflicts, satellites can provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data to military commanders, giving them a strategic advantage over their adversaries. This information includes high-resolution images of enemy positions, movements, and activities, as well as data on weather patterns, terrain, and other environmental factors that may affect military operations.
In addition, military satellites are used to detect and track ballistic missiles, monitor nuclear weapon tests, and provide early warning of missile launches or other threats. They also play a critical role in supporting military logistics, providing information on the location and movement of troops and supplies, and helping to coordinate logistics operations.
Overall, satellites are important military assets that provide critical capabilities to militaries around the world. Their importance during conflicts cannot be overstated, as they provide essential intelligence, surveillance, and communication capabilities that are essential for military success.
During Gulf War (1990-1991), Operation Desert Storm (1991), War in Afghanistan (2001-2021), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011), Syrian Civil War (2011-present): Satellites played a crucial role in these wars Satellites were used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, communication, and navigation. Satellites were also used to guide drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to their targets. Satellites were also used to guide precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to their targets.
A Chinese satellite was seen grabbing another satellite and taking it out of its normal geosynchronous orbit and into a “super-graveyard drift orbit.” This action raised questions about the potential applications of these types of satellites designed to manoeuvre close to other satellites for inspection or manipulation and adds to growing concerns about China's space program overall.
China's SJ-21 satellite vanished from its usual position in orbit on January 22 when optical telescopes were unable to observe it during daylight hours. The satellite was then seen doing a manoeuvre to approach a dead BeiDou Navigation System satellite. It successfully removed the dead satellite from its regular geosynchronous orbit and placed it in a distant orbit known as a graveyard orbit, which is reserved for retired satellites to reduce the risk of collision with active assets. The manoeuvre was detected by Exoanalytic Solutions, a commercial space awareness company. This technology has the potential to avoid any catastrophe-level events with satellites in future, instead of using missiles and creating space debris to deal with any satellites that need to be removed from orbit, this is a more safe and clean method.
If China were to develop the capability to disrupt other nations' satellites, it could have significant military implications. The use of space-based technology is crucial for modern militaries, and any disruption of satellite communication or navigation systems could have severe consequences for a nation's military operations. at this point, it seems like it's not much of a question of developing the technology to grab satellites of other nations but it is more of a question of whether China is going to use it. through a national security lens, it is a potential threat to the satellites of adversaries of China.
To prevent the tactical use of enemy satellites ASAT missiles were developed by a few countries, as of now. The United States has developed the SM-3 missile and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which can intercept ballistic missiles, including those that could potentially target satellites.
China tested its first anti-satellite missile, the SC-19, in 2007, and has since developed and tested a range of anti-satellite weapons, including direct-ascent missiles, co-orbital anti-satellite systems, and ground-based lasers. This weapon uses "Relativistic Klystron Amplifier (RKA)" technology to send microwaves to disrupt or destroy satellites in orbit. As of now, it is not powerful enough to destroy the satellites from the ground but it can be mounted to one of the satellites and fry the sensitive electronic systems of other satellites.
Russia has also developed an anti-satellite missile system known as the Nudol, which has reportedly been tested multiple times. India conducted its first successful test of an anti-satellite missile in 2019 under the name Mission Shakti. when it launched a ballistic missile to shoot down one of its satellites.
This method is also used to remove decommissioned satellites from orbit, but this method tends to create a lot of space debris travelling at high speed, which is harmful to other satellites.
The Russian military satellite Kosmos-2558 tailgated an American spy satellite called USA-326, orbiting around 50 km lower than USA-326. It is believed that Russia did this to gather information on the US surveillance probe, but its real mission may be more sinister. Kosmos-2558 is believed to be having a small, manoeuvrable subsatellite that could catch USA-326 and shoot it down. This anti-satellite system has already been tested twice, with Russia blowing up one of its satellites in November 2021 with a ground-launched missile called Nudol. A Russian official warned that Western satellites, particularly those that help Ukraine by providing intelligence or communication links, "may be a legitimate target for a retaliatory strike". The warning is particularly concerning because, although the official was referring to dual-use civilian satellites, it may echo widely. Russian anti-satellite technology is believed to be ahead of that of NATO, which complicates the alliance's response in case of an attack. The US is the only NATO ally with anti-satellite systems, first developed in the Cold War, but the last time the US tested its abilities was in 2008. Russia has operational counter-satellite capabilities, including the "Burevestnik" programme of killer satellites launched into orbit from fighter jets. Russia has developed laser cannons that can destroy satellites' optical sensors and ground-based electronic warfare systems that can jam communications and radar-imaging satellites. These lasers are believed to be not up and running as of now.
Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that space is a global commons, and actions taken by one country can affect other countries' abilities to access and use it. Therefore, countries should work together to maintain space as a peaceful and cooperative domain, promoting transparency, communication, and confidence-building measures to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts. Overall, finding the right balance between developing advanced satellite technology and minimizing potential risks and consequences will require ongoing discussions, cooperation, and transparency between countries and the international community. According to United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
Some international laws and treaties prohibit countries from grabbing and destroying other countries' satellites. Present space governance policies are primarily governed by the United Nations Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which outlines the principles of space exploration and utilization. However, the treaty is limited in its scope and does not address many of the issues that arise in the present-day space environment. It was signed by over 100 countries. This treaty states that outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation, and countries cannot use weapons of mass destruction or conduct military manoeuvres on these bodies. Furthermore, the treaty also states that nations are responsible for the activities of their citizens, organizations, and companies in space, including the launching and operation of satellites. As a result, if a country or entity violates these laws, it could face diplomatic, economic, and legal consequences. This treaty has its drawback, there is an issue of the lack of a coordinated approach to space debris mitigation. The growing amount of space debris poses a significant threat to active satellites and future space missions, but there are no clear guidelines on how to prevent the creation of space debris or how to remove existing debris. the current government policies are heavily focused on state actors, which limits the participation of private companies and individuals in space activities. This may hinder the development of new space technologies and the exploration of new frontiers in space.
In conclusion, China's satellite-grabbing technology has become a significant concern in the security realm as it has implications for military and intelligence capabilities, as well as for the stability and security of the international community. Developing the capability to disrupt other nations' satellites could have significant military implications, and any disruption of satellite communication or navigation systems could have severe consequences for a nation's military operations. It is a potential threat to the satellites of China's adversaries. Therefore, countries around the world need to monitor China's space program and take necessary precautions to ensure their national security. It is essential to have international cooperation to maintain space security, prevent the weaponization of space, and avoid a new arms race in space.
There is a need for new space governance policies that address the current challenges and opportunities in the space environment. New policies should aim to promote sustainable and responsible space activities, ensure the equitable distribution of benefits, protect the environment, and foster innovation and collaboration among all stakeholders. Such policies should be based on a multilateral approach and involve the participation of all relevant actors, including state and non-state actors, to ensure a comprehensive and effective regulatory framework for space activities.
Pic Courtsey-NASA
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)
