Gen. Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, DC on March 12, 2025. The United States Space Force has reported that China is engaging in “dogfighting” activities with satellites to enhance its space capabilities. The Space Force cautioned that major rivals of the US are narrowing the technology gap in space, which is becoming increasingly crucial for global security. Gen. Guetlein highlighted the observation of five objects in space maneuvering in synchronicity and practicing tactical operations similar to aerial dogfighting between fighter jets. He noted that China and other key competitors are developing on-orbit maneuvers to conduct space operations from one satellite to another. The US Space Force is closely monitoring China’s advancements in space technology, such as deploying jammers to disrupt satellite signals and using lasers to interfere with intelligence surveillance satellites. Gen. Guetlein emphasized the importance of maintaining superior capabilities to deter and counter potential aggression in space. The incident mentioned by Gen. Guetlein involved Chinese satellite maneuvers in low Earth orbit in 2024, demonstrating China’s evolving counterspace capabilities.
The concept of “peaceful use of outer space” is emphasized by China and opposes the idea of an arms race in that domain. CNN has sought comments from China’s Ministry of Defense and State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense regarding this matter.
In the context of space dynamics, the maneuvers described as “dogfighting” by Guetlein would differ significantly from aerial dogfights involving fighter jets, as satellites would be maneuvering around each other using propellant, according to experts.
Analysts have been closely monitoring interactions between satellites and other space objects, known as “rendezvous and proximity operations.” While these maneuvers can be used for activities like satellite maintenance or debris clearing, they can also be utilized for interfering with adversaries’ assets.
Close maneuvering around other satellites could indicate the development of counterspace weapons, as approaching another satellite could enable actions like grabbing it, launching a net or projectile, or using energy weapons such as lasers or jammers. However, close proximity could also serve other purposes like in-space servicing, refueling, or reconnaissance.
Although China has launched satellites demonstrating advanced maneuvering capabilities, the exact intentions behind these actions remain publicly unknown. While there is no confirmed evidence of China using counterspace capabilities against military targets, the Secure World Foundation emphasizes that other countries like Russia and the US also engage in proximity operations with satellites.
Describing China’s activities as “dogfighting” in space is deemed unhelpful as it implies hostile intentions, a characterization that the US also engages in similar activities. The US currently does not have a public program to target satellites from orbit using other satellites or spacecraft, but it has conducted non-offensive testing of technologies for satellite approach and rendezvous.
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