A new U.S. intelligence update says the PRC and Russia have stepped up efforts to develop technologies to disrupt or destroy U.S. satellite capabilities. NASA
THE WATCH STAFF
Satellites form an integral part of 21st century life, performing vital functions in the private sector and in national defense. The number of satellites orbiting Earth increased to 7,096 by the end of 2022, a sevenfold increase from a decade earlier. The U.S., Russia, and the PRC have the most satellites in orbit, and strategic competition on the ground is beginning to be reflected in the skies above.
A new joint report from U.S. Space Force and Air Force intelligence agencies warns that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia have weaponized satellites, presenting a new challenge to globally integrated homeland defense. One example highlighted in the report was the PRC’s development of dual-use satellite repair and tracking systems that could attack other satellites. One such vehicle, the Shijian 21, towed a disabled satellite to a debris field in January 2022.
The “Competing in Space” report — an update from a 2019 assessment from the National Space Intelligence Agency, known as Delta 18, and the Air Force’s National Air and Space Intelligence Center —observes that preserving a rules-based international consensus for space is crucial for a domain potentially threatened by PRC and Russian actions, including the creation of dangerous debris fields and the development of counterspace weapons. “China and Russia view the U.S. as overly reliant upon space for military and informational technology. Seeking asymmetric advantages in future conflict, both countries are designing, testing and demonstrating counterspace weapons to deny, disrupt or destroy satellite and space services,” the report states.
Defense Intelligence Agency reports indicate the PRC is pursuing technology to disable U.S. military reconnaissance platforms and interfere with communications. In 2022, U.S. Space Force Gen. David Thompson said the PRC was attempting to jam and attack U.S. satellites on a daily basis, according to spacenews.com.
The PRC is also pursuing offensive capabilities in space with technology that can hack or disable satellites, which could enable cyberattacks to damage U.S. military operations by “limiting mobilization and constraining surveillance and reconnaissance,” Space News reported. Russia is also testing counterspace weapons, and the two countries have recently renewed a space alliance for an additional five years.
John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, testified before Congress in April 2023 that the PRC and Russian efforts are important to monitor, but the U.S. maintains domain control in space. “Our competitors have watched us, they have learned from us, they’ve stolen from us, and they have developed capabilities to hold us at risk. But they are not ready for us. They’re not ready for us today,” he said. “The investments in the FY 2024 budget request are essential to equip the Department of Defense with the capabilities necessary to ensure they are not ready for us tomorrow.”