From 100 in 2013 to 1,900 now: How China's growing spy satellite network alarms US

NEW DELHI: A top general of the US Space Force has said the United States must develop the ability to attack threats in space, warning that China’s rapidly expanding satellite network is improving its ability to track and target American military forces, as TWZ reported.

Lt Gen Gregory Gagnon, head of the US Space Force Combat Forces Command, said protecting satellites alone will not be enough in future conflicts.

'Can't run away from a bully'

Speaking at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium, he said the US must also be able to take offensive action in space if required.

“You can’t run away from a bully forever. Sometimes you have to turn around and punch,” Gagnon said, stressing the need for capabilities that can challenge enemy satellites and protect US assets in orbit.Gagnon said China has dramatically expanded its presence in space over the past decade.

100 in 2013 to 1900 now

While the country had fewer than 100 satellites in 2013, it now operates about 1,900 satellites. More than 500 of them are remote-sensing satellites designed to track ships, aircraft and other military targets.

According to US officials, this network could help China locate American warships and guide long-range missiles toward them, particularly in the Pacific region.

To counter such threats, the Space Force is testing new technologies that allow satellites to manoeuvre more precisely in orbit. A prototype spacecraft launched earlier this year will be used to test advanced manoeuvring techniques that could support both defensive and offensive missions.

'Space domain awareness'

The Space Force is also expanding systems that monitor activity in space. Officials said about half of the new systems accepted by the command last year were sensors designed to improve “space domain awareness,” helping detect and track satellites and other objects more effectively.

US officials said space is now a critical warfighting domain, as modern militaries rely heavily on satellites for communication, navigation, intelligence and missile warning.

Militarisation of space?

The growing competition with China and Russia has also raised concerns about the increasing militarisation of space. Both countries have tested anti-satellite weapons and other technologies capable of targeting satellites.

Despite concerns about weaponising space, US officials say developing offensive and defensive capabilities is necessary to deter adversaries and protect vital space infrastructure.