U.S. Space Force warns of changing warfare norms as China escalates threats

In recent months, the United States has increasingly raised alarms regarding the circumstances in space, emphasizing the importance of maintaining space superiority amidst escalating threats from China and Russia. General Michael Guetlein, the Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force, has indicated a significant shift in the norms of warfare conducted in space. Previously, there was an informal agreement among nations to refrain from interfering with each other's space systems. However, this understanding has evolved as adversaries begin to employ jamming, spoofing, cyber hacks, and advanced satellite weaponry to disrupt and attack U.S. interests in space. China has been a primary focus, as it has made substantial investments to develop its space capabilities with aspirations to surpass the United States in this arena. It is actively pursuing technologies that threaten to dismantle American operational capabilities in space. Satellites with grappling arms, capable of capturing or disabling other satellites, pose a direct threat to U.S. surveillance and military operations in space. This has given rise to the term 'Space Stalkers,' referring to Chinese co-orbital satellites designed to track and engage U.S. satellites in low Earth orbit, reflecting a dangerous escalation in space strategies. The urgency of the issue is underscored by the remarks of General Chance Saltzman, who leads U.S. Space Force operations. He emphasizes that achieving space superiority is as vital as securing air superiority in traditional warfare. The inability to protect existing space assets and deny adversaries access to space capabilities can severely hinder U.S. military objectives on Earth. With only 15,000 personnel and a relatively small budget within the Department of Defense, the Space Force faces a fundamental challenge in reinforcing its position in this increasingly contested domain. In the context of these evolving threats, there is an urgent need for the United States to reassess its satellite architecture and capabilities. Experts suggest that the U.S. should develop its own co-orbital satellites for defensive measures against threats posed by adversaries in space. A comprehensive upgrade to military satellite development, inspired by models like SpaceX's Starlink, could provide greater resilience and responsiveness against potential sabotage and attacks. As military operations in space become more crucial, it is imperative for the U.S. to adapt rapidly to counter these advancing threats from China and Russia.