Space Force Says a Chinese Spacecraft Is Practicing Dogfighting Maneuvers in Orbit

Yahoo! News - Mar 22nd, 2025

The US Space Force has accused China of engaging in 'dogfighting in space,' a term typically associated with aerial combat, by maneuvering their satellites in close proximity to each other. According to Space Force vice chief of space operations Michael Guetlein, three Chinese experimental satellites—Shiyan-24C, Shijian-605 A, and B—displayed synchronized and controlled maneuvers in low-Earth orbit, suggesting a practice of satellite-on-satellite operations. This activity, if confirmed, marks a significant escalation in the militarization of space and echoes a broader trend of increasing space competition among global powers, notably between the US, China, and Russia.

Guetlein's remarks highlight the growing concerns over a 'space arms race,' as both China and Russia have been accused of violating internationally accepted norms of behavior in space. He pointed to Russia's 2019 'nesting doll' satellite demonstration and China's satellites maneuvering dangerously close to US assets as examples of unsafe practices. This behavior, according to Guetlein, underscores a widening 'capability gap' that could jeopardize US assets and allow adversaries to exert greater control over the space domain. The situation calls for increased investment in space superiority to maintain balance and security in orbit.

China Us Space Force Michael Guetlein Satellite Maneuvering Space Arms Race Shiyan 24 C Shijian 605 Space Warfare International Norms

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the growing competition in space, focusing on alleged maneuvers by Chinese satellites that could signify a new phase in the space arms race. The story's strengths lie in its use of authoritative sources, clear language, and the relevance of its topic to current geopolitical discussions. However, it could benefit from greater balance by including perspectives from China or Russia and more detailed verification of technical claims. Overall, the article effectively raises awareness about the strategic importance of space and the need for international cooperation, but its impact and engagement could be enhanced with broader perspectives and additional context.

Accuracy

The story's accuracy is relatively strong, with multiple factual claims supported by quotes from a high-ranking Space Force official. The claim that the US Space Force observed Chinese satellites engaging in 'dogfighting' maneuvers is backed by statements from Vice Chief of Space Operations Michael Guetlein. The article cites these maneuvers as involving specific Chinese satellites, such as Shiyan-24C and Shijian-605 A and B. However, the story would benefit from more detailed verification of the specific maneuvers and the capabilities of the Shijian-6 system, which is described as having electronic intelligence capabilities. The narrative about international norms violations by China and Russia is stated but lacks detailed evidence or specific instances. Overall, the article provides a credible account but requires additional verification for some technical claims.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the US Space Force, focusing on the potential threats posed by Chinese and Russian satellite activities. While it effectively conveys concerns from the US military, it lacks counterpoints or perspectives from China or Russia, which would provide a more balanced view. The absence of responses or official statements from the accused nations creates an imbalance, as the story does not explore possible reasons or justifications for their actions. Including expert analysis or commentary from independent space analysts could also enhance the balance by offering a broader understanding of the geopolitical implications.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main points. It effectively explains complex concepts like 'dogfighting in space' in a way that is accessible to readers unfamiliar with military or space terminology. The use of direct quotes helps clarify the narrative and provides a sense of authority. However, some technical terms, such as 'proximity operations' and 'electronic intelligence,' could be further explained to enhance understanding for a general audience.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, notably a senior official from the US Space Force, which lends authority to its claims. The use of direct quotes from Michael Guetlein provides a strong basis for the story's assertions. However, the article primarily cites a single source, Defense One, without diversifying its sources to include additional perspectives or expert opinions. While Defense One is a reputable publication in defense news, incorporating sources from international or independent space agencies would enhance the depth and reliability of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its sourcing, clearly attributing information to Space Force Vice Chief Michael Guetlein and Defense One. However, it lacks an explanation of the methodology used to observe and analyze the satellite maneuvers. The absence of detailed descriptions of how the Space Force gathered and interpreted the data leaves readers without a full understanding of the basis for the claims. Additionally, the article does not discuss potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence the perspectives of the sources cited.