U.S. military officials say they have observed a group of Chinese satellites performing advanced maneuvers in orbit, raising concerns about potential threats to satellite communications. The maneuvers, described as “dogfighting,” were detailed by General Michael Guetlein, vice chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, at a recent defense strategy conference. Such exercises involve satellites moving in a synchronized manner, potentially allowing China to develop tactics to disrupt satellite functionality.
“With our commercial assets, we have observed five different objects in space maneuvering in and out around each other in synchronicity and in control. That’s what we call ‘dogfighting’ in space,” Gen. Guetlein said. “They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to do on orbit space operations from one satellite to another.”
“What keeps me up at night is the pace that the adversary—or the threat—is changing every single day. It is an eye-watering pace. It requires our guardians to be on their A-game every single day,” the general added.
China’s aggressive orbital actions come as Beijing continues to ramp up investment in space technology. China has made considerable technological strides in recent years, including constructing its own space station, landing a probe on the moon’s dark side, and planning future missions to establish a permanent lunar base. Moreover, China is building a communications satellite network to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.
According to U.S. Space Force officials, the Chinese orbital maneuvers reportedly involved five satellites, three Shiyan-24Cs, and two Shjian-605s. While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) insists it remains committed to the peaceful use of space, the latest actions raise renewed concerns about an orbital arms race.
