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US Counters China's Space Capabilities

September 3, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

China is testing satellites that can chase other spacecraft.
The US is building countermeasures to protect its orbital assets.
China has over 1,500 payloads in orbit, including 510 intelligence satellites.
The US Space Force has operationally accepted its Meadowlands system.

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Strategic Implications

This development may indicate an escalation of military competition in space, with China's pursuit technology potentially disrupting US access to space. The US countermeasures could suggest a shift towards a more aggressive posture in space, which may lead to a new era of space-based warfare.

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What Happened

Washington Deploys Countermeasures Against Beijing's Satellite Pursuit Technology

China is testing advanced satellites capable of pursuing and manipulating other spacecraft, prompting the US to build countermeasures to protect its orbital assets. The US Space Force has operationally accepted its Meadowlands system, a mobile ground-based electromagnetic weapon that can disrupt satellite communications. The US is also expanding its ability to maneuver in orbit, with its reusable X-37B spaceplane beginning its eighth mission. According to IBTimes, the US is preparing for the possibility of conflict extending into space.

Source | Originally Published: September 3, 2026

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