The cosmos becomes a new arena for military confrontations. The USA and China are testing satellites capable of attacking and destroying spacecraft.
The two superpowers continue to practice and refuel in the vacuum of space to improve the maneuverability of satellites. Russia adopts a similar approach, developing a satellite capable of deploying nuclear weapons in space.
In June, a small ship was launched from a secret Chinese “space plane”, unmanned. After orbiting another Chinese satellite in an area full of commercial and military equipment, it returned to base. Little is known about this mission, but the United States has a similar unmanned ship.
Both programs demonstrate Beijing’s and Washington’s preparations for a possible military conflict in space, according to an analysis of documents and statements from several officials. The two states seem to be showcasing their cosmic military capabilities to each other.
According to experts, space is becoming critically important, not only to support military operations on Earth, but also to ensure their outcome, reports The Moscow Times.
General Stephen Whiting, head of the US Space Command, has repeatedly warned that US adversaries are developing capabilities that would allow them to attack American space assets in the early stages of a potential Earth conflict.
China is rapidly increasing both the number of its satellites and its sophisticated missions. Their equipment has managed to capture other devices that were taken out of service during exercises and place them back into orbit. As they are limited by the level of fuel in the tank during launch, Beijing is testing their refueling method.
The anti-satellite war is also prepared from the ground. In June, the US Space Forces announced the deployment of a terrestrial electromagnetic weapon, designed to disable or disrupt enemy satellites.
The United States, China, and Russia operate maneuverable satellites, capable of approaching and inspecting other spacecraft. However, Washington has also maintained since 2024 that Russia is developing anti-satellite nuclear weapons. Their use could lead to the destruction or gradual malfunction of up to 80% of the satellites operating in Earth’s low orbit.