"After putting 200 satellites into orbit in 2023, it has now doubled its orbital payloads from last year, and it is also building two substantial low-Earth-orbit constellations similar in some ways to Elon Musk's Starlink. These are just a few examples of howChina is speeding through its five-year national strategy for space. Launch vehicles have been expanded, satellites are continually being updated, and launch pads are being built for not just more but also faster missions. It has even tested experimental "dogfighting" satellites."
"The US military says that China is prioritizing the ability to challenge rivals in space, developing systems that could disrupt or destroy satellites. These capabilities include co-orbital satellites, anti-satellite missiles, electronic warfare tools, surveillance platforms, reusable spacecraft, and directed-energy weapons, as the Department of Defense highlighted in its annual report on China's military capabilities. Beijing has spent years investing in its space operations, and a recent reorganization of the military branch that oversa"
China is rapidly catching up on space-based capabilities that enable modern militaries to fight effectively. Space launches have increased more than 30% year-over-year, with 200 satellites launched in 2023 and orbital payloads doubling. China is building two substantial low-Earth-orbit constellations similar in some ways to Starlink. Launch vehicles and pads have been expanded, satellites are being updated, and experimental "dogfighting" satellites have been tested. Beijing is developing co-orbital satellites, anti-satellite missiles, electronic warfare, surveillance platforms, reusable spacecraft, and directed-energy weapons to challenge rival space assets. A military organizational reorganization is supporting accelerated space operations.
Read at Business Insider
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