HELSINKI \u2014 China is developing a dependence on space-based space situational awareness as its space activities expand, according to a new report.<\/p>
China’s on-orbit presence has grown dramatically in recent years, with a boom in numbers of satellites launched, and the construction of the Tiangong space station. However, its space situational awareness (SSA) architecture heavily relies on space-based systems due to its limited global ground sensor network, according to a report<\/a> from the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI). <\/p> The report provides new insights into China\u2019s SSA infrastructure and outlines its unique constraints and priorities. <\/p> China has sent at least 10 spacecraft to low Earth orbit (LEO) for space-based SSA, according to analysis of open-source Chinese reports and literature. Further unspecified satellites in general orbits have been referred to texts as carrying out SSA tasks.<\/p> Noted satellites include Shiyan and Shijian technology demonstration spacecraft, as well as satellites from commercial actors Changguang Satellite Technology<\/a>, operator of the Jilin remote sensing constellation, and Origin Space<\/a>, a space resources firm.<\/p> The satellites use mostly optical (including infrared for detecting heat sources, especially useful when spacecraft are in Earth\u2019s shadow, and LiDAR) and radio frequency sensors, with a variety of detection ranges.<\/p> Chinese satellites employ onboard processing for tasks like collision avoidance, aiming to reduce reliance on limited and overburdened ground stations. This autonomy enables faster response times, crucial for a nation with limited access to global relay networks. The general U.S. approach is described as relying on data analysis on the ground with human oversight.<\/p> LEO is currently the main focus of its SSA efforts due to the dense satellite population and collision risks. Less attention is set on geostationary orbit, on which the U.S. has a stronger focus.<\/p> The development of China\u2019s space-based SSA is seen not only as having military uses and applications, but also for collision avoidance and other strategic and economic reasons. The efforts also assist China\u2019s aim of building its own space object catalog, rather than relying on U.S. or Russian data. <\/p>