China May Have the Edge in the Final Frontier With its Satellite-Crushing Weapon

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China May Have the Edge in the Final Frontier With its Satellite-Crushing Weapon​

Oct. 27 2021

China’s launch of its Shijian 21 satellite into orbit has sparked fears in the US military that Beijing has just unveiled a new satellite-crushing weapon.

Chinese officials say the mission is to test technologies that could help neutralize space debris. However, the US warns the technology is part of Beijing’s plan to achieve superior space attack systems.

In 2016, Beijing launched its first official 'debris-clearing' satellite, Shijian 17. The craft was officially designated a communication satellite with the mission to observe space debris.

The US military believed that it was equipped with a robotic arm making it capable of attacking and bringing down other satellites and orbiting craft.

The head of the US Space Command, General James Dickinson, has written to Congress that China’s Shijian satellites “could be used in future for grappling other satellites.”

Satellites have become increasingly important to modern military operations, as well as daily life. Communication and location systems are all aided by or dependent on satellites. Having the ability to knock out another military’s satellites is a massive tactical advantage, as it can render an opposing force blind.

China May Have the Edge in the Final Frontier With Its 'Satellite-Crushing' Weapon

China's launch of its Shijian 21 satellite into orbit has sparked fears in the US military that Beijing has just unveiled a new satellite-crushing weapon.

sputniknews.com