# China’s Fast Growing Military Space Capabilities ![rw-book-cover](https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/672c084e17f364adbbaa9e9f/0x0.jpg?format=jpg&height=900&width=1600&fit=bounds) ## Metadata - Author: Amir Husain - Full Title: China’s Fast Growing Military Space Capabilities - Category: #articles - Summary: China is rapidly building military space forces with weaponized satellites and unmanned space planes. It uses AI and cyber tools to run satellites and speed up operations. This fuels a US–China space arms race and pressures the US and its allies to respond. - URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/amirhusain/2024/11/14/chinas-fast-growing-military-space-capabilities/ ## Highlights - For anyone wanting to understand the geopolitical dynamics that will drive the 21st-century, China's rapid moves in space and the integration of newly developed technology into a cohesive military strategy merits attention. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k5kvmymkbaek5k6n46aw1ejx)) - Artificial Intelligence serves as the backbone of China's modern space strategy. The People's Liberation Army has embraced AI to manage its extensive satellite networks and enable real-time threat analysis, dramatically increasing the speed and efficiency of decision-making during orbital operations. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k5kvrre98cz91hw1fj6b8ezn)) - In 2023, China successfully conducted an experiment where an AI system was given control of the [Qimingxing-1](https://www.sps-aviation.com/experts-speak/?h=Chinas-AI-controlled-Satellite&id=717), a low-Earth orbit remote sensing satellite. The AI control system autonomously operated the satellite for 24 hours without any human intervention, demonstrating a potent capability in developing and fielding autonomous systems for space operations ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k5kvsc0h52cakxs4k1khtbsd)) - AI-driven tools now empower the PLA to forecast, simulate, and execute space operations with minimal latency. Machine learning algorithms enhance surveillance and satellite-based reconnaissance systems, positioning China very well in terms of orbital warfare preparedness. This technological integration of AI and space capabilities will enable serious capabilities and provide a greater set of options to China’s military strategists. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k5kvth5sk6j0xbvhye7xa9zn)) - The growing influence achieved through space-based initiatives impacts geopolitical alliances and raises the stakes for nations dependent on satellite technology for communication, navigation, and defense. Just as the US and Europe have partnered with strategically aligned nations on space programs in the past, China can be expected to do the very same and open up space to a number of countries who would have taken much longer to get there on their own. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k5kvxx2t409seb3j84t3q7as)) - China's rapid progression in space capabilities, augmented by AI and cyber integration, helps realize a new phase in China’s military strategy. A strategy that is characterized by a very comprehensive, omni-domain approach—fusing space, cyber, and artificial intelligence—illustrates Beijing's ambition to command the strategic high ground of space. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k5kvz9qa9q8hfest09gmch3g))