US and China escalate military competition in space

The military competition between the United States and China is entering a new phase as Earth's orbit becomes an increasingly significant domain for confrontation. Both powers are developing technologies that could allow them to track, approach, deactivate, or even capture other spacecraft.

Recent developments highlight the evolution of satellite capabilities. In June, an unmanned Chinese spacecraft released a small satellite in an orbital region containing both commercial and military assets. According to space monitoring company LeoLabs, the object performed maneuvers around another Chinese satellite before returning to its original vehicle. Such maneuvers demonstrate an increasing ability for satellites to actively modify their trajectories rather than remaining in fixed orbits.

Key emerging technologies include on-orbit satellite refueling and repair. While these have civilian applications, they hold significant military implications. A U.S. Space Force official noted that China reportedly attempted an in-space refueling operation last year. Mastering refueling could extend a satellite's operational life and enhance its ability to perform continuous maneuvers, a critical factor in potential orbital conflicts.