Why China is being urged to integrate commercial space tech with military systems
Appeal comes as strategic rivals such as the US are increasingly eyeing military uses for tech developed by private firms such as SpaceX
China has been urged to build dual-use satellite application systems to increase the military use of commercial technology.
The appeal by researchers from a university affiliated with the Central Military Commission – China’s highest command body – comes as space technology developed by private firms is increasingly being used for military purposes.
For example, the US military has stepped up its use of technology from Elon Musk’s Starlink network and other commercial satellite companies, carrying out tests to help it build a more advanced and efficient command system.
Musk’s company SpaceX recently applied to launch one million satellites to power artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, a move that would drastically expand its Starlink network.
The company already has around 10,000 satellites in orbit and the Chinese government recently suggested it was responsible for congestion and an increased risk of collisions.
“As commercial satellites become more deeply involved in modern warfare, the traditional boundaries between military and civilian uses are increasingly blurred. Space is rapidly shifting from a domain of strategic deterrence towards one of tactical operations,” an article by researchers from China’s National University of Defence Technology said.