Washington (Agencies): China has been practicing satellite-on-satellite maneuvers in space, resembling “dogfighting” tactics, according to U.S. Space Force officials. The revelation, made by Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein at the McAleese defense programs conference, highlights growing concerns over adversarial threats in orbit and the narrowing capability gap between the U.S. and its rivals.
Guetlein described China’s satellite movements as “synchronized and controlled,” with five objects maneuvering in and around each other. “They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to conduct on-orbit operations from one satellite to another,” he explained. The Space Force later confirmed that Guetlein was referring to a series of 2024 maneuvers involving three Chinese Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Shijian-6 05A/B space objects in low Earth orbit.
While “dogfighting” traditionally refers to aerial combat, its space equivalent is still evolving. In the absence of friction or atmosphere, objects rely entirely on thrusters for movement, making precise maneuvering a key factor in potential space conflicts.
Guetlein also raised concerns about other adversarial capabilities, including:
- Nesting doll satellites that could conceal and deploy anti-satellite weapons.
- Shadow satellites that closely follow U.S. satellites, potentially for surveillance or interference.
- Grappling arm satellites capable of capturing or disabling other space assets.
- Russia’s space nuclear weapon development, which could have devastating effects on global satellite infrastructure.
“Unfortunately, our adversaries are willing to go against international norms and operate in unsafe and unprofessional ways,” Guetlein warned.
The Space Force has been calling for increased funding and resources to maintain “space superiority.” Officials argue that the U.S. must rethink its space strategy before competitors gain the upper hand.
“We’re only going to be as good as the amount of resources that we’re willing to put towards space superiority,” Guetlein emphasized, urging investment in new technology, training, and operational strategies to counter emerging threats.
With the geopolitical contest extending beyond Earth’s atmosphere, space is quickly becoming the next frontier of global defense competition.