The head of US Space Force Combat Forces Command warns that the US needs to enhance its space capabilities to keep up with China's rapid satellite expansion, which now includes 1,900 satellites.
Lieutenant General Gregory Gagnon, head of the US Space Force Combat Forces Command, has highlighted a growing concern regarding China's advancements in space technology. He noted that China's satellite constellation has dramatically increased from fewer than 100 in 2013 to approximately 1,900 today. This significant expansion includes over 500 remote sensing satellites that are specifically designed to monitor and track US military assets in the Pacific, demonstrating a strategic shift in China's capabilities and intentions in space.
During a recent symposium, Gagnon emphasized the importance of the US being able to 'turn around and punch' in space, indicating the necessity for a robust and responsive military posture in the face of Chinese competition. With the second-best remote sensing system globally, China's satellites are poised to support its military operations and provide crucial intelligence on US naval and aerial movements. This situation raises pressing questions about the US's current operational readiness in space.
The conversation around space capabilities is becoming increasingly central to national security discussions as both the US and China ramp up their competition in space tech. Gagnon's remarks highlight a critical need for the US not only to enhance its satellite capabilities but also to consider new technologies such as spaceplanes which could bolster its defensive and offensive strategies in this emerging arena.
