US: "China is the Most Serious Existing Threat in Space" [Reading Science]

Operation Commander Nominee Reveals at Congressional Hearing
"Focused on Destroying US Satellite Assets with Russia"
"Pursuing Quickly and Persistently"
"Developing Countermeasures Is Top Priority"

Lieutenant General Chance Saltzman, nominee for Commander of Space Operations under the United States Air Force.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] It has been claimed that China's aggressive development of advanced space technology poses the most serious threat to the United States.

On the 13th (local time), Chance Saltzman, the nominee for Commander of U.S. Space Operations Command, stated at the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, "China's aggressive pursuit of advanced technology is the most urgent threat to U.S. satellite assets and ground infrastructure." Since 2020, Saltzman has served as the Deputy Commander of U.S. Space Operations Command with the rank of lieutenant general, and was recently nominated by President Joe Biden for promotion to general and as the second commander of the U.S. Space Operations Command.

The U.S. Space Force is an independent military organization under the U.S. Air Force, composed of 8,000 military personnel and a similar number of civilians. It is responsible for managing, operating, and protecting satellite navigation systems (GPS), communication, and missile early warning satellites operated by the United States.

During the hearing, questions focused on how Saltzman would protect U.S. satellites from threats such as anti-satellite missiles (ASAT) being developed by China and Russia. Saltzman expressed confidence, saying, "The United States remains the most powerful space-faring nation on Earth." However, he did not hide his concerns. He pointed out, "Our adversaries are making massive investments to close the gap and surpass us. In particular, China is leading, and together with Russia, they are focused on efforts to destroy, disrupt, and degrade U.S. orbital assets. Above all, the speed and persistence of these efforts are worrisome."

He also voiced concerns about anti-satellite cyberattacks revealed during the recent Russia-Ukraine war. Saltzman explained, "It has been confirmed how critical it is to defend against cyberattacks on space assets if they actually occur," adding, "We have learned several key and important lessons related to designing the Space Force."

Accordingly, Saltzman stated that responding to the aggressive threats from China and Russia in the space domain will be his top priority. He said, "Above all, it is important to ensure that the Space Force is trained and effectively deploys assets to respond to the activities of strategic competitors."

Regarding President Biden's recent declaration to refrain from anti-satellite missile tests and the plan to pressure China and Russia through a resolution at the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly later this month, Saltzman expressed strong support. He said, "Anti-satellite missile tests are the most dangerous due to the damage caused by debris," adding, "The United States actually has alternative means, so it is not conceding much, but by building alliances among like-minded space-faring nations, we can create pressure within the international community to prevent irresponsible activities." He also mentioned the need to strengthen cooperation with private space companies possessing advanced technologies, such as SpaceX, through innovation in procurement systems.