In recent years, China’s space activities have expanded at a record pace. The country now operates its own permanent space station in low Earth orbit, launches dozens of rockets every year, and plans to deploy large satellite constellations that could number in the thousands. This rapid growth has made China one of the most active spacefaring nations on Earth. However, it also means the nation has contributed significantly to the growing problem of space junk — the leftover fragments and defunct machines orbiting our planet.
Growing Space Activity and Rising Space Junk Challenges
Space junk, often called space debris, includes old satellites, rocket parts, and even fragments from past collisions. These objects can travel at speeds of more than 25,000 kilometers per hour. At that velocity, even a small piece of space junk can damage or destroy a functioning spacecraft. The growing number of satellites in orbit makes this problem even more dangerous, as collisions could create more fragments in a chain reaction known as the “Kessler Syndrome.”
To address this, China is developing new technologies to detect, monitor, and even remove space junk from orbit. The plan, according to officials, is to strengthen the country’s space situational awareness, which means tracking every object in orbit and predicting the likelihood of collisions. The goal is to protect both Chinese and international spacecraft operating in crowded orbits filled with space junk.
Space Debris Preservation: Confronting the Rising Threat of Orbital Junk
China’s Plan for Active Debris Removal
China’s space agency has confirmed that it is working on a top-level plan to deal with orbital debris and space junk. This includes systems that can monitor and alert operators about potential collisions and, more importantly, technologies that can actively remove space junk from orbit.
Active debris removal refers to physically capturing or redirecting defunct satellites or rocket parts so that they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up safely. This can be done using robotic arms, nets, tethers, or even special spacecraft designed to “push” space junk into lower orbits. Removing large, heavy pieces of space junk could make a big difference in reducing the overall risk of space collisions.
However, there’s an important detail that has drawn global attention. The same technology used to grab and move space junk could also be used to interfere with or disable another country’s active satellite. Because of this dual-use nature, many experts view debris removal tools as both a step forward for sustainability and a potential security concern.
For example, if a satellite can approach another spacecraft, dock with it, and move it to a new orbit, it could technically be used to move — or even destroy — a satellite belonging to another nation. This is why such missions are closely watched by international space observers.
Clearing the Cosmos: Taming Space Debris
China has already been testing similar operations through its Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites. These spacecraft have been seen performing rendezvous and proximity operations in orbit, where they approach and maneuver near other satellites. Reports suggest that one of them even carried out a refueling operation in geostationary orbit — a rare and technically advanced maneuver.
While these are major achievements for China’s growing space program, the country has released little public information or images about how these operations were conducted. This lack of transparency has led some to question the true purpose of such missions. When active space junk removal systems are developed without open data or international cooperation, it can cause suspicion rather than confidence.
Sustainability and Global Reactions
Space sustainability is now one of the biggest challenges facing every country that operates satellites. The more nations that launch satellites, the greater the risk of overcrowding in orbit due to space junk. China’s efforts to remove its own debris could help reduce this risk — especially since it has many old rocket stages and inactive satellites still floating above Earth.
Officials have stated that China’s regulations already require all satellite operators to deorbit their spacecraft or lower their orbits once they reach the end of their missions. This policy is meant to prevent old satellites from becoming future space junk. Such steps are essential, as each new launch adds to the already congested environment surrounding Earth.
Yet, because space junk removal technology can serve both peaceful and strategic purposes, the development of these capabilities is being carefully monitored by other countries. The concern is not only about what China is doing, but also how it is doing it — whether its operations will be transparent and cooperative, or secretive and independent.
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Currently, China continues to conduct experimental missions aimed at improving its space management abilities. These include advanced tracking systems for monitoring orbital objects and experimental satellites capable of performing close-range operations. While these efforts may eventually lead to cleaner and safer orbits, they also highlight the fine line between sustainability and security in space.
As one of the most active space nations, China’s actions in this area are likely to influence how other countries approach space junk removal and orbital safety. Whether this technology becomes a global tool for cleaning space or a source of strategic competition will depend largely on how openly it is developed and used.
