For years, the idea of space warfare existed primarily in the realm of science fiction. But according to a top Space Force official, it’s now a very real concern—one that China is actively preparing for.
Speaking at the annual McAleese defense programs conference, Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein described a troubling pattern of Chinese satellite activity that has Space Force officials on high alert. The coordinated maneuvers of multiple Chinese satellites, conducted with what Guetlein called “synchrony” and “control,” suggest that China is practicing what can only be described as dogfighting in space.
“With our commercial assets, we have observed five different objects in space maneuvering in and out and around each other in synchrony and in control,” Guetlein said. “They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another.”
Following his remarks, Space Force confirmed that the satellites in question included three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Shijian-6 05A/B satellites, all of which executed a series of complex movements in low Earth orbit throughout 2024.
Unlike traditional dogfighting between fighter jets, where atmosphere and aerodynamics play a role, space maneuvers rely entirely on thrusters and momentum. But the fundamental principle remains the same—China is training its satellites to engage, evade, and possibly disable other space-based assets in a simulated combat environment.
Guetlein didn’t stop at satellite-on-satellite maneuvers. He detailed other alarming threats, including:
- “Nesting doll” satellites, which could conceal and deploy anti-satellite weapons.
- “Shadowing” satellites, designed to discreetly follow and potentially interfere with U.S. satellites.
- Grappling-arm satellites, capable of physically capturing or hijacking another satellite.
- Russia’s development of a nuclear weapon for space, which could disrupt or destroy entire orbital networks.
According to Guetlein, these threats represent a stark shift away from the established norms of space as a peaceful domain. “Unfortunately, our current adversaries are willing to go against international norms of behavior, go against that gentleman’s agreement, and they’re willing to do it in very unsafe and unprofessional manners,” he warned.
Even more concerning, the once-wide technological lead enjoyed by the U.S. in space has narrowed significantly. The response from Space Force leadership has been clear: the U.S. must move decisively to establish space superiority—a concept that includes not just defending American assets, but actively controlling the space domain through both defensive and offensive measures.
“We’re only going to be as good as the amount of resources that we’re willing to put towards space superiority,” Guetlein said, emphasizing the need for new technology, new strategies, and a fundamental cultural shift within the Space Force itself.
