Space Combats Simulated by US Rivals
In a bold move to enhance their space capabilities, near-peer adversaries of the United States are engaging in simulated orbital combat exercises. This development has raised alarms within the US Space Force, with its second in command, Gen. Michael Guetlein, highlighting the activities at the McAleese annual Defense Programs Conference. He pointed to how these exercises represent an evolving threat aimed at impairing US space capabilities.
Chinese Satellite Maneuvers Raise Eyebrows
During the conference, Gen. Guetlein detailed how commercial partners have been instrumental in providing data that showcased the synchronized movements of five different satellites — an exercise resembling „dogfighting” in space. Although Guetlein didn’t name the countries involved, later reports from a Space Force spokesperson identified the country conducting these maneuvers as China. The demonstration, involving three Shiyan-24C and two Shijian-6 05A/B satellites in low Earth orbit, underscores China’s advancements in space operations.
LeoLabs Confirms Russian Involvement
These Chinese activities have been corroborated by Colorado-based space tracking firm LeoLabs, which utilized ground-based radar networks to observe the operations. Notably, LeoLabs also highlighted a similar ongoing exercise by Russia, involving three spacecraft conducting rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). This capability, historically demonstrated with fewer satellites, is now presenting a formidable challenge to US space dominance.
Narrowing Capability Gap
Gen. Guetlein emphasized the shifting dynamics in space capabilities, noting the narrowing gap between the US and its adversaries. Historically, the US held a significant technological edge, but recent developments necessitate a strategic overhaul to deter potential aggression in space.
The Reality of Space Warfare
Contrary to the fast-paced dogfights depicted in popular culture, actual satellite combat is constrained by physics, with maneuvers taking considerable time. Nevertheless, the terminology used by Guetlein underscores the growing emphasis on enhancing US space warfighting capabilities.
Space Superiority: The Prime Objective
Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman, stressed the imperative of securing space superiority at the Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Conference. He outlined „space control” as a crucial function, enabling the Space Force to maintain superiority through both defensive and offensive measures.
Strategic Space Control
Gen. Saltzman elaborated on the necessity of space control operations, which encompass orbital and electromagnetic warfare. These operations, designed to disrupt, degrade, or destroy adversary capabilities, are integral to the Space Force’s mission to withstand and counter potential threats in the space domain.
The accelerating capabilities of adversaries underscore the urgency for the US Space Force to innovate and adapt its strategies, ensuring it remains a formidable force in defending against emerging space threats.
