The Trump administration must engage China in orbit, opening a line for communication in case of emergencies such as deconflicting potential collisions in orbit, according to a report released Tuesday by the Council on Foreign Relations.
The bottom line up front: The report recommends that the government make seven changes to ensure the US remains a leader in orbit, despite China’s growing space capabilities.
- Designate space systems as “critical infrastructure” to protect assets from emerging threats
- Encourage the cabinet to prioritize space and empower the National Security Council staff to lead in space
- Assess vulnerabilities and deterrence in space, seeking input from DoD, civil space orgs, and industry
- Engage with China on space-related “hotline” communications, space traffic management, and the rescue of spacefarers in distress
- Build upon existing international regimes to deconflict movement in orbit and mitigate space debris risk
- Regularly include commercial and nonstate actors in conversations about space
- Promote the 1967 Outer Space Treaty to ensure there are consequences for space warfare
The China factor: According to the report, China has launched 500+ objects into space, built its own orbiting space station, and placed two landers on the far side of the Moon—all within just the past five years.
In addition to China’s growing investment in its commercial space sector, the country is also prioritizing development of military counterspace assets, such as satellite jammers, ground-based lasers, and ASAT weapons. China is also using space as part of its Global South strategy, promoting collaborative space programs and increasing access to Beidou’s GNSS to grow its soft power advantages across developing countries.
