A recent report from the China Aerospace Studies Institute highlighted that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is already adapting lessons learned into military doctrine and training methods. Additionally, a defense contractor has already demonstrated what it calls a space fuel tanker in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO).
The report explains that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has approved new commercial players to enter the field to provide, not just technology, but also frameworks to shape international norms. These developments, while typically going largely unnoticed, could potentially help the PLA “sustain on-orbit space operations in wartime,” according to Space News.
Preparing the PLA’s orbital logistics
The report highlights the PLA’s work since 2018 to develop a computer simulation program for training military satellite operators in space-based refueling.
Back in 2018, a Beijing-based Strategic Support Force (SSF) unit under the Space Systems Department (SSD) published an article on the PLA’s requirements for a simulation tool to train military satellite operators in space-based refueling. According to the article, the unit leveraged computer programming to simulate the space environment and on-orbit service satellites.
“The simulation tool is in use, but probably still in development. The PLA’s National University for Defense Technology (NUDT) in 2022 criticized existing development efforts for not examining how much fuel is required to carry out particular servicing missions, after the servicing satellite reached the customer,” the new report revealed.
The NUDT proposed adding specific fuel and time parameters because, the satellite service is tailored for inclination adjustment, typically a highly fuel-intensive maneuver, holding considerable importance.
New space companies
The PLA has led on-orbit servicing capabilities in China, given its role in building the Chinese Space Station. Additionally, China’s civilian Ministry of Science and Technology has included on-orbit servicing in its technology development plans since at least 2016. These initiatives signal an encouragement to support research and fund Chinese universities and companies applying for the same.
In 2020, a Chinese company in the satellite development and applications field, Intersteller Walk, signed a launch deal with a Chinese commercial launch company. If the report were anything to go by, Intersteller Walk is not the only company to have attempted a demonstration.
According to Space News, the US intelligence community is aware of China’s advancements in on-orbit servicing, which could also serve as counter-space weapons. The U.S. Space Force’s National Space Intelligence Center reiterated that China is developing satellite inspection and repair systems that could function as weapons and it has launched multiple satellites to test orbital maintenance and debris mitigation.
Assumption and rebuttal
Assumption: The PLA may not have malicious intent, but under the stress of war, they will use their on-orbit grappling satellites as counter-space weapons. The intention is demonstrated in their lack of transparency.
Rebuttal: Perceptions of transparency are well established as cultural and subjective. The best way to strengthen understanding, even without reaching an agreement, is through regular discussion.
At the time of each Chinese launch of known LEO and GEO satellites with robotic arms, Chinese official media stated that the satellite would test debris observation and mitigation technology. Another way the Chinese communicate about their plans is by publishing their national space plan in English. The last and most recent versions have included debris mitigation.
The 2021 version expands the section listing on-orbit servicing plans, including goals for international cooperation and influencing international norms. Moreover, a Chinese official document in English describing their plans for international cooperation and negotiation on in-space servicing strongly indicates an interest in discussing their plans.
