[Reading Science] 'Jeongchal-yong Pungseon' in China, This Time Caught by US Satellite Surveillance

China was caught spying on satellites of the United States and other countries by deploying artificial satellites following reconnaissance balloons.

Space.com, a space-specialized media outlet, reported on the 3rd (local time) that China’s Communications Technology Experiment Satellite 3 (TJS-3), launched into geostationary orbit (GEO, approximately 35,000 km) in the second half of 2018, was recently confirmed to have closely reconnoitered the military communication satellites USS 233 and USS 298 operated by the U.S. Space Force. The outlet cited space situational awareness (SSA) data released by the 'Satellite Dashboard,' a space situational awareness information service jointly operated by the U.S. Space Force and private companies. According to the data, TJS-3 approached the USS 233 satellite to within about 6.2 km on October 21 last year.

The latest satellite reportedly being developed by a Chinese private company. It is known to be capable of multifunctional orbital maneuvering. File photo.

Orbital Focus, a UK-based orbital flight information company, also reported via its Twitter account on the 23rd of last month that TJS-3 "has been orbiting nearby since May 2022 and stopped twice to closely approach the USS 233 and USS 298 satellites." The company noted that TJS-3 reconnoitered the USS 233 satellite on September 13, 2022, and the USS 298 satellite on the 8th of last month, respectively.

The TJS-3 satellite has been known to carry a secret mission with its exact launch purpose remaining unclear, as its name suggests. Notably, after reaching orbit, it attracted attention by releasing a small auxiliary satellite.

The geostationary orbit where TJS-3 operates is one in which satellites rotate at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, appearing stationary relative to the Earth's surface. Continuous contact between the satellite and ground stations is possible. One satellite can cover one-third of the Earth's surface, making this orbit extremely important for communication, broadcasting, and observation purposes. Furthermore, by slightly adjusting its orbit, it is suitable for observing other countries' satellites.

The outlet stated, "Satellites from the United States, Russia, and China have increasingly approached each other closely in recent years to acquire photos and other information, thereby increasing surveillance of each other's satellites." It added, "This is to learn about each other's satellites as well as to test space response capabilities and situational awareness." It further noted, "Although little is known about the TJS-3 satellite, it is certain that the United States and other countries are closely monitoring its movements."