Why U.S. and Chinese satellites are ‘dogfighting’ in orbit

A U.S. patrol satellite, designated USA 270, had locked onto two recently launched Chinese spacecraft within a strategically important zone in space. In a maneuver reminiscent of aerial combat tactics, the American satellite approached from behind, using the sun's glare to its advantage.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. one of the Chinese satellites reacted by decelerating, causing USA 270 to overshoot its target. The Chinese satellite then moved in behind the American one, reversing their positions. This orbital encounter in 2022, occurring approximately 22,000 miles above the Earth, prompted U.S. officials to reassess their strategy.

Neither the Pentagon nor Beijing has publicly acknowledged this event. Despite remaining largely unnoticed beyond space and defense circles, these types of orbital maneuvers have become commonplace, now referred to by defense officials as "dogfighting."

These close-range encounters, where satellites maneuver for strategic advantage, signify a growing trend in the militarization of space, a domain increasingly vital for maintaining military dominance. This development unfolds amidst escalating technological competition between major global powers.

Defense analysts suggest that much of this satellite activity involves espionage, with classified operations focused on gathering intelligence. This includes capturing images of rival satellites to ascertain their systems and capabilities.

Furthermore, these activities involve monitoring satellite signals and data, intercepting communications between space and ground stations. Some satellites possess the capability to jam signals or disrupt the functionality of orbiting platforms responsible for missile warnings, surveillance, or relaying critical information to military units.

While satellites from different nations often approach each other closely, they maintain a safe distance. In the vastness of space, satellites can reach speeds of up to 17,500 mph (approximately 5 miles per second). Even a separation of 10 miles is considered a close encounter. Unlike aerial dogfights, these orbital positioning maneuvers can extend over hours or even days.

Traditionally, satellites remained in fixed orbits after deployment, with operators hesitant to expend valuable fuel. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the Pentagon, along with nations like China and Russia, are now launching satellites designed for more dynamic movement, akin to aircraft. These satellites can execute sharp turns, change speeds, and even operate in coordinated formations.

According to Clinton Clark, chief growth officer at ExoAnalytic Solutions, satellites were not initially built for combat or self-defense, but this is changing.

General Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, stated that China's spacecraft maneuvers could potentially give them an advantage over the U.S. in a conflict. The U.S. aims to maintain its leading position in space by developing its own maneuver capabilities for both defense and strategic advantage.

Liu Pengyu, the spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stated that China is dedicated to the peaceful utilization of space and opposes any form of weaponization or arms race there. He added that China has no intention of engaging in a space race or seeking dominance in space.

China's satellite activities are part of a larger initiative to close the gap with the United States. Unlike the U.S., which separates civilian (NASA) and military space programs, China's space program is managed entirely by its military. This structure enables the military to access technological advancements from industry and academia.

China currently operates six spaceports and is launching new rocket generations to deploy satellite constellations. The country has launched over 80 rockets this year, a national record. China also aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, potentially ahead of the U.S.

China is focusing on geostationary orbit, located approximately 22,000 miles above Earth, where the Pentagon and intelligence agencies position some of their most critical satellites. This orbit allows satellites to maintain a fixed position over the Earth, making it ideal for missile warning, reconnaissance, and communication.

To safeguard this region, the Pentagon initiated a "neighborhood watch program" in 2014, deploying satellites to monitor the area and approach potential adversaries when necessary. Data from COMSPOC and ExoAnalytic Solutions, companies that provide space situational awareness, was used to reconstruct these orbital encounters.

Paul Graziani, CEO of COMSPOC, noted the increasing congestion in space and the need for closer monitoring, pointing out a growing potential for hostile activities.

Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, recently expressed concerns about a Russian satellite's proximity to a commercial communications satellite used by the German military, noting the potential for jamming, blinding, manipulation, or kinetic disruption of satellites.

Positioning, especially relative to the sun, is critical in space warfare. The sun's intense brightness can impair a satellite's ability to see or photograph other objects. Satellites often maneuver to keep the sun behind them for optimal visibility.

A senior Space Command official, speaking anonymously, likened the importance of positioning to fighter pilot tactics, emphasizing the need to achieve the right angle for target acquisition, whether for launching a weapon or taking a picture.

The Pentagon aims to achieve "space superiority," allowing U.S. satellites to operate freely, similar to the unrestricted movement of U.S. ships and aircraft. Former President Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile defense shield envisioned deploying numerous autonomous spacecraft in low Earth orbit to intercept enemy missiles.

Early stages of modern satellite warfare involved nations launching missiles from Earth to destroy orbiting spacecraft. In 2007, China destroyed a defunct satellite with a missile, alarming U.S. officials. Russia and India have also conducted anti-satellite missile tests. The U.S. has been advocating for the elimination of ground-to-space satellite strikes to reduce orbital debris.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. spacecraft-to-spacecraft warfare remains in its initial phase, according to Pentagon officials.

The Space Command official stated that tactics are still being developed, potentially including jamming, lasing, destructive techniques using microwave rays, or kinetic projectiles for physical damage.

Currently, most engagements involve a limited number of satellites. The Space Command official anticipates increased autonomy and AI integration will accelerate these encounters, potentially escalating from individual or small-group engagements to large-scale operations involving numerous satellites simultaneously, eventually leading to the development of "swarming techniques."

Last year, five Chinese satellites engaged in a swarm exercise in low Earth orbit, approaching within half a mile of each other. This close proximity was described as "face-to-face" by a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein referred to this type of maneuver as "dogfighting in space."

Over the past decade, China's satellite count has grown significantly to over 1,000, many serving military purposes. This increase has expanded the surveillance responsibilities of U.S. neighborhood watch satellites.

When China launched Shiyan 12-01 and 12-02 near geostationary orbit in early 2022, the Pentagon deployed USA 270 to investigate.

While refraining from commenting on specific maneuvers, General Whiting emphasized that the U.S. aims to operate its satellites professionally, avoiding miscalculations or collisions. He stated that the U.S. intends to ensure its maneuvers are predictable, safe, and transparent to other operators.

Recently, USA 270 has been monitoring Shijian-21, a Chinese satellite that alarmed Pentagon officials in 2022 when it used a grappling arm to move a defunct satellite to a "graveyard orbit."

China described the mission as a demonstration of its ability to remove orbital debris. While acknowledging this, Pentagon officials also viewed it as a potentially aggressive capability.

The removed satellite was part of China's BeiDou constellation, a rival to GPS. If Shijian-21 could move a dead BeiDou satellite, it could theoretically target a GPS satellite used by the U.S. military for precision munitions, missile warning, surveillance, or battlefield communication.

General Whiting acknowledged the potential for both debris removal and threatening actions, highlighting the ability to target non-cooperative satellites.

When another Chinese spacecraft, Shijian-25, approached Shijian-21 last summer, the Space Force dispatched two neighborhood watch satellites, including USA 270, to monitor them. The two Chinese satellites flew in tandem before eventually docking. Officials believe Shijian-25 refueled Shijian-21, marking the first instance of in-orbit refueling in geostationary orbit.

Following their separation, Pentagon officials are closely monitoring Shijian-21 for any maneuvering, which could indicate successful refueling and extended operational life.

General Whiting noted that the Pentagon is also exploring refueling and developing satellites with longer-lasting propulsion systems.

Russia has also been observed maneuvering close to other satellites and deploying satellites that release smaller satellites and projectiles, which could be used as weapons.

Darren McKnight, of LeoLabs, characterized this behavior as a blatant counter-space demonstration lacking any legitimate space safety or sustainability purpose.

The Russian Embassy did not respond to requests for comment.

Russia has positioned spacecraft near satellites operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, the U.S. spy agency. Other nations have also been affected.

Referring to the Russian spacecraft near the German military's communications satellite, German Defense Minister Pistorius stated that space represents their "Achilles’ heel."