In a striking revelation at a recent defense conference in Virginia, two officials from the US Space Force reported detecting Chinese satellites engaged in coordinated “dogfighting” maneuvers in space, an alarming indication of Beijing’s advancing capabilities in space warfare. General Michael Guetlein, the vice chief of space operations, detailed how five Chinese satellites were seen executing synchronized movements, effectively simulating combat scenarios that could unfold in future orbital conflicts.
The drill involved three Shiyan-24C satellites and two Shijian-6 05A/B experimental satellites, according to a spokesperson from the US Space Force. These operations occurred in low-Earth orbit, where Guetlein described the satellites as “five different objects in space maneuvering in and out around each other, in synchronicity and in control.” He emphasized that this kind of activity is indicative of tactics and procedures being developed for on-orbit operations, emphasizing the serious implications of such maneuvers.
This development is perceived as part of China’s broader agenda to enhance its capabilities to challenge US space assets, aiming to deny, disrupt, or destroy them if necessary. Analysts suggest that such military-oriented operations are not just advanced practices but could reflect a strategic endeavor by China to gain the upper hand in space.
Adding to Guetlein’s remarks, Colorado-based space tracking company LeoLabs corroborated the sightings of the Chinese satellites performing synchronized maneuvers, classified as rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). RPO involves the precise navigation needed for spacecraft to operate closely with one another, whether for docking or collaborative tasks.
While maneuvering in synchronization is not entirely new, Guetlein pointed out that the ability to control multiple satellites simultaneously is a relatively recent advancement. This capability not only enhances China’s military operational framework but also represents a significant step in its push towards establishing dominance in space.
Guetlein further expressed concerns over the rapidly evolving landscape of space capabilities, noting that the gap that once separated the US from its near-peers has significantly narrowed. He emphasized the urgency for the United States to adapt its perspective and strategy in light of these developments, warning that failure to do so could result in a reversal of their current advantages in space technology and operations. This moment underlines the intensifying competition in space, a domain that is becoming increasingly critical for national security and military superiority.
