<p >Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein has warned that China has recently demonstrated the capability to manoeuvre satellites for combat operations in space, with an operation observed involving “five different objects in space manoeuvring in and out and around each other in synchronicity, and in control.”“That’s what we call dogfighting in space… They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another,” he added. A Space Force spokesperson subsequently elaborated regarding the statement: “China conducted a series of proximity operations in 2024 involving three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Chinese experimental space objects, the Shijian-6 05A/B. These manoeuvres were observed in low earth orbit.” Guetlein stressed that these operations highlighted a need to transform the Space Force into a service that no longer treated space as a benign environment, and validated the service’s existence and funding. The claims regarding the Chinese satellites were questioned by both Chinese and American sources, with a number of analysts raising the possibility that they could be intended as a means to gain more funding for the U.S. Armed Forces’ newest service.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p ></p>
Skip to content
SurvivalThat is all