The rivalry between the United States-China has taken a new turn as both superpowers are allegedly developing “hunter” weaponry. This weaponry is highly sophisticated and spans satellites, unmanned spaceplanes and orbital weaponry. According to a report by Reuters, both nations are actively transitioning their security infrastructure from passive to active. These weapons are capable of aggressive defense in the event of direct orbital engagement.
Both countries have developed secretive unmanned spaceplanes. This technology enables each state to deploy space weapons programmed to disable and capture enemy spacecraft without forming any hazardous debris. This is especially innovative as traditional weapons would produce debris that could damage the attacking country’s own systems. This could trigger a chain reaction and cause unprecedented damage.
The debris produced from traditional weapons has driven the move towards non-kinetic tactics. The objective is to disable enemy satellites without blowing it up. This phenomenon has given rise to the concept of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). RPO work on the principle that one state’s satellites are able to spy on rival nation’s spacecraft by parking within a small distance. While positioned nearby, a satellite can uses technology to disrupt or jam signals and monitor operations.
Space has now become an active combat platform. It is assumed that a state controlling the high ground in space would have more leverage in any future conflicts on Earth. This is because in event of a full-scale conflict, disabling the opposing state’s GPS and surveillance satellites would translate into weapon systems losing their navigational capabilities on ground.
Patent filings from major Chinese aerospace corporations reflect heavy investment in satellites that can dodge an incoming spacecraft. The “hunter” technology is able to recalibrate a satellite’s route without waiting for instructions from ground staff.
A major concern surrounding these weapons is the net-launching mechanism. This mechanism allows satellites to disable, disrupt and sabotage adversary technology. It also enables satellites to calculate fuel-efficient routes without human intervention. This means the satellite can use onboard artificial intelligence to determine its own path.
Moreover, the advent of in-orbit refueling systems allows states to maintain a consistent fleet of weapons. Since satellites are able to refuel in orbit, they are capable of a greater flexibility in targeting and tracking.
The escalating nature of the arms race is leading to rising global tensions. General Chance Saltzman, the outgoing U.S. Space Force Chief of Operations, explicitly stated that the Chinese threat is “substantial” and expanding across every aspect of modern warfare.
These recent developments highlight the need for updated laws. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 does not contain any provisions governing robotic arms or “dual-use” weapons. A robust framework is essential to prevent further escalation. An arms race not only presents a threat at the state level but also hamper civilian infrastructure. Most modern systems such as banking, stock markets, GPS and electrical grids, rely on satelleites. An interference in satellite signals can disrupt day-to-day life significantly.
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