China is developing its space industry and actively introducing new technologies in the military sphere. Such his activity becomes a cause for concern of third countries - first of all, the United States. Washington is trying to determine the real possibilities of a potential adversary and predict the likely course of events. Interesting reports from intelligence agencies are a direct consequence of this.
This year, the US Department of Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) published a new report, Challenges to security in space, on challenges and threats in outer space. The document examines the activities of China, Russia and other countries that could pose a threat to US interests. Consider the data from the report regarding China's space capabilities.
Launch capabilities
RUMO notes that China is improving its rocket and space systems and expanding its launch capabilities. There are 14 types of launch vehicles of all major classes, allowing the output of loads weighing from several hundred kilograms to 20-50 tons. A super-heavy launch vehicle with a load of more than 50 tons is being developed. The creation of a modular rocket and a light launch vehicle for commercial launches is also being worked out. The concept of a rocket with a minimum preparation time for flight is being studied, which may be of interest to both commercial structures and the army.
China has four spaceports in different parts of the country. There are two control centers in the cities of Beijing and Xi'an. All such objects are used for solving various tasks in outer space, military, scientific and commercial.
In 2003, China became the third country in the world capable of independently performing manned space flights. By 2022, it is planned to create its own permanent orbital station of a modular type and attract foreign organizations to this project. Not so long ago, China landed an automatic station on the moon. By 2025, it is planned to send a new AMS to a natural satellite, and a manned flight is expected in the thirties.
Satellite constellation
According to the RUMO, China has already created a large group of spacecraft capable of solving all the main tasks of a military and civilian nature. With its help, reconnaissance of all kinds, data transmission, navigation, etc. are carried out.
As of May 2018, China had 124 satellites with the ability to observe and collect data, which put it in second place after the United States. Almost half of these vehicles belong to the PLA and are responsible for reconnaissance and target designation. Most of the satellites monitor areas of the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan and the southern borders of China.
China's existing and prospective launch vehicles
China owns 34 communications satellites, of which 4 are for military use. A group of 28 Beidou vehicles is operated by the army, although it is available to non-military users. The number of scientific spacecraft has reached 60 units, but the PLA owns only a few such items. The rest are used by civilian research organizations.
It is noted that China has successfully mastered the production of its own spacecraft for various purposes. Manufactured equipment for military and civil purposes. In the case of commercial samples, available technologies and components are actively used, which has a positive effect on cost and gives certain competitive advantages.
Space defense
China has managed to create a developed network of optical, radar and other means of observing outer space. Various systems from this network are located on the ground, on offshore platforms and in space. Thanks to this, the Chinese military is able to monitor the situation in orbit, detect suspicious behavior of spacecraft, detect ICBM launches, etc.
The PLA has electronic warfare systems to suppress radars, communication channels, satellite navigation, etc. There are also means of countering the enemy's electronic warfare. All these capabilities have already been tested in the conditions of army exercises. Research and development of new samples continues.
Spaceports and control centers
The US DIA has information that China has projects of laser countermeasures and suppression of spacecraft. By 2020, the PLA may have the first ground-based laser complex capable of suppressing the optics of satellites in low orbit. In the second half of the twenties, the emergence of more powerful systems is expected, capable of damaging spacecraft without optoelectronic systems.
Offensive systems for cyberspace are being developed. Such systems are planned to be used both independently and for information support of direct actions of the armed forces. Cyberattacks are possible during the threatened period, making it difficult for the enemy to prepare for the expected collision. Also, the PLA is engaged in intelligence in cyberspace, receiving military data or engaging in industrial espionage.
Orbiters are being developed for surveying and servicing other space technology. The DIA believes that such satellites can also be used as weapons. Several experiments of this kind have been carried out in the past, and in the future new technologies may be implemented in practice.
Several years ago, the PLA demonstrated that it has a guided missile to destroy satellites in low orbits. At present, units are being formed that will have to use such weapons in real conflicts. In 2013, a certain apparatus was launched, flying along a ballistic trajectory and moving away from the Earth by 30 thousand km. Perhaps we are talking about the development of anti-satellite weapons capable of hitting targets in geostationary orbits.
Analysts' conclusions
The concluding part of the report "Challenges to security in space" notes that space is becoming an integral part of military and peaceful human activities. The advantages in this area are still with the United States, which is an incentive for other countries. As a result, there is not only cooperation, but also competition. RUMO considers China and Russia to be the main competitors of the USA in space.
Changzheng CZ-2F launch vehicle with the Shenzhou-9 manned spacecraft, June 2016
Both rivals of the United States in the space sector continue to improve their technology and technology, as well as look for new ways of development. Work is being carried out in all major areas, and military projects are of particular importance. In certain areas, Moscow and Beijing can cooperate mutually beneficially.
China and Russia view outer space as a complement to "traditional" theaters of war that can be used to gain advantage and win conflict. As a result, new projects are created, launches are carried out, etc.
The authors of the report recall that the number of countries capable of using outer space for military purposes is growing. Such trends are challenging the current "US dominance in space", as well as a threat to American activities in this area.
The report of the US Department of Defense Intelligence Agency describes the situation and considers the current capabilities of a number of countries, but does not provide direct instructions for various structures in Washington and the Pentagon. They will have to draw their own conclusions, and then determine the ways of further development of rocket and space technologies and "military space" in general.
