US Space Force warns of Chinese satellite conflicts

The US Space Force has raised concerns about China's advancements in satellite maneuverability, describing it as a form of "dogfighting in space." General Michael A. Guetlein revealed this at a conference, noting China is developing tactics to enable their satellites to move aggressively in orbit. The Space Force, created to maintain US dominance in space, aims to defend against threats from rival nations. General Chance Saltzman explained that Space Superiority is crucial for securing military operations. This distinguishes the Space Force from organizations like NASA, which focuses on exploration rather than combat. "Dogfighting in space" refers to the ability of satellites to maneuver in orbit to intercept one another. However, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of actual combat due to the physics governing orbital mechanics. Satellites typically follow predictable paths and cannot make swift changes in direction like aircraft can. Despite this, the Space Force has reported witnessing satellites maneuvering in synchronized movements, which they interpret as practice for future military operations. Such maneuvers could potentially be used to disable or disrupt critical satellite services like GPS and communications. The growing militarization of space has prompted nations, including the US, Canada, and Australia, to invest in space defense capabilities. This effort aims to protect vital satellite functions and ensure their availability for national security. As the Space Force approaches its fifth anniversary, it emphasizes its role in controlling the space domain amid rising threats from countries like China.