U.S.-China Orbital Tensions Surface as Surveillance Satellites Engage in Close Tracking
Published on May 4, 2025 by Ruta Kulkarni
Rising Tensions Beyond Earth
Tensions between the United States and China are no longer limited to Earth. Their growing competition has now extended more than 35,000 kilometers into space. On April 26 and April 29, a U.S. satellite called USA 324 moved unusually close to two newly launched Chinese satellites, named TJS-16 and TJS-17. These encounters, known as "fly-bys," were reported by COMSPOC, a private U.S. firm that tracks satellites in orbit.
A Close Encounter in Space
The U.S. satellite came within just 10.5 miles of TJS-16 and 7.4 miles of TJS-17. In space, these are considered extremely close distances, almost like a car tailgating another on a highway. Satellite operators usually avoid such tight passes because even small mistakes can lead to major damage. The reasons behind USA 324’s close approach remain unknown, sparking curiosity and concern among space observers.
Purpose of the American Satellite
USA 324 is not just any satellite—it belongs to the United States Space Force and is part of a broader mission to watch over geosynchronous orbit. This area, located over 22,000 miles above the Earth, is where many vital satellites operate. These satellites play a major role in GPS navigation, military communication, weather forecasting, and television signals around the world.
Satellites That Get Close
USA 324 is specially designed for what’s called “Rendezvous and Proximity Operations.” That means it can move close to other satellites to get a better look at what they are doing. These operations are not aggressive by nature but are used to study objects up close—like a high-tech space inspection. This helps the U.S. identify any unusual activity or possible threats.
Mystery Around Chinese Satellites
The two Chinese satellites involved—TJS-16 and TJS-17—were launched in late March and early April. Officially, China claims these satellites are being used to test advanced communication technology. However, some international analysts and defense experts believe they might also serve military purposes. These could include tracking other satellites or even testing technologies that can interfere with them.
U.S. Space Force Explains Its Role
According to the U.S. Space Force, its satellites are meant to help keep space safe and transparent by collecting “space situational awareness” data. From their high-altitude positions, these satellites can see other man-made objects in orbit very clearly. This allows them to identify what objects are, where they are going, and how they are behaving—sort of like air traffic controllers, but for space.
A Watchful Eye on China
Recent reports suggest that the United States has shared high-resolution satellite images with its key intelligence partners—known as the Five Eyes alliance. This includes the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. By sharing data, these countries aim to form a united front in monitoring space activity. The growing concern is that China’s rapid expansion in space could pose risks to global satellite systems.
Concerns About Space Weapons
Experts in the U.S. believe that China is not only building satellites but also developing weapons to disable them. These include powerful lasers that could blind satellites or even burn their sensors. China is also suspected of working on high-powered microwave systems that can disrupt a satellite’s electronics, possibly knocking it offline. These capabilities could be used in future conflicts, where space plays a crucial role.
Warnings from Military Leaders
Senior U.S. military officials have openly expressed their alarm. Colonel Ramsey Horn, a top U.S. Space Force officer, recently visited the United Kingdom and called China the biggest concern in space today. He also confirmed that a senior UK defense official had visited a U.S. base in Colorado to observe American space tracking systems. General Stephen Whiting had earlier warned that China is developing anti-satellite weapons at a pace that is both rapid and concerning. Over the last six years, China has tripled the number of its spy and surveillance satellites.