Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
WASHINGTON – The commander of the United States Space Force informed a congressional panel on April 3 that China’s rapidly progressing space program poses a considerable threat to American superiority in orbit. However, he advised against depicting the rivalry as a straightforward “space race.”
Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, conveyed to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission that Beijing’s aspirations in space represent a “significant destabilizing factor” within the progressively contested space domain.
The commission, established by Congress but comprised of appointed commissioners rather than legislators, is responsible for observing and reporting on national security ramifications of U.S.-China economic relations. Commissioners received testimony indicating that China’s on-orbit capabilities are now second only to the United States.
“We are advancing daily in our preparedness,” Saltzman stated. “I remain quite satisfied with the U.S. Space Force.” He mentioned that direct comparisons could be deceptive, as China primarily concentrates on the Western Pacific region, while the U.S. maintains a global footprint.
Of specific apprehension, according to Saltzman, is China’s expanding collection of counterspace weapons, which includes ground-based anti-satellite missiles, laser systems, and electronic warfare proficiencies. He underscored Chinese experimental satellites that have demonstrated the aptitude to manipulate other satellites — technology that could be adapted from civilian “inspection and repair” missions for military purposes.
When questioned by commissioners regarding his prepared statement that referenced “overly restrictive space policy and outdated modes of thought,” Saltzman clarified that space matters “have not escalated to the point where we need to revise our policies.”
“Space has been overlooked,” he remarked.
The Space Force leader identified several sectors where policy modifications could offer advantages, notably diminishing classification levels to ease information exchange with private industry, and simplifying authorization procedures for on-orbit testing and tactics validation.
“We must seek exceptionally high levels of approval for testing and training. All training is conducted in simulation; live training is restricted due to current policies,” Saltzman explained.
Budget Constraints Present Challenge
However, he underscored that resource limitations, rather than policy constraints, pose a more substantial challenge. “The allocated budget is a self-imposed constraint. Our unfunded requirements exceed funded programs,” he noted, alluding to prior comments describing a “shrinking” Space Force due to budgetary reductions over the preceding two years.
When commissioners inquired about specific programs lacking sufficient funding, Saltzman indicated that while fundamental categories are addressed, resources are thinly distributed across various programs. Numerous technologies remain in research and development stages, and he voiced a desire for increased funding to “accelerate progress and enhance capability.”
He cited Space Force training simulators as a case in point, characterizing them as “relatively basic” compared to the sophisticated threats U.S. forces are likely to confront.
The commission also received testimony from additional experts.
David Cavossa, President of the Commercial Space Federation, emphasized that while the U.S. retains its position as the global frontrunner in space, China is “vigorously pursuing its objective to become a global leader in space by 2050.”
Cavossa highlighted China’s advantages, including state-supported financing and fewer regulatory limitations. He referenced Beijing’s advancements with the Tiangong space station, lunar exploration projects, Mars exploration, and swift deployment of low Earth orbit satellite constellations.
“The United States commercial space industry possesses the innovations and talent to uphold American leadership in space and technological dominance,” Cavossa informed the commission. “We simply require a cooperative alliance with the government to realize our complete potential.”