By 
May 9th, 2015
From new report: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2015
Credit: DoD
In an annual report to Congress, the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense has issued: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2015.
“China possesses the most rapidly maturing space program in the world and is using its on-orbit and ground-based assets to support its national civil, economic, political, and military goals and objectives,” the report observes.
As recognized in the report, noteworthy 2014 accomplishments for China’s space program include:
— First Sub-meter Resolution Imager: Following its launch in August, the Gaofen-2 became China’s first satellite capable of sub-meter resolution imaging. China reportedly plans to use the satellite for a variety of purposes, including the sale of commercial imagery.
— Lunar Sample-Return Technology Test: In late October, China launched the Chang’e-5 test spacecraft. This mission will test technologies related to retrieving and returning a lunar sample to Earth. China plans to launch the actual Chang’e-5 Lunar Sample Return mission in 2017.
— Fourth Space Launch Center Complete: China completed construction of the Wenchang Space Launch Center (SLC) on Hainan Island in 2014 and plans to begin launching its next-generation Long March-5 and Long March-7 Space Launch Vehicles (SLVs) from the facility no later than 2016.
The report also underscores China’s military space prowess: “In parallel with its space program, China continues to develop a variety of capabilities designed to limit or prevent the use of space-based assets by adversaries during a crisis or conflict, including the development of directed-energy weapons and satellite jammers.”
Note:
Space and Counterspace Capabilities: pp. 13-15, 35
Missile and Space Industry: pg. 51
Special Topic: Space Lift Capabilities and Launch Trends: pp. 69-70
Special Topic: China’s Development and Testing of Missile Defense: pg. 71
For full report, go to:
http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2015_China_Military_Power_Report.pdf
Posted in Space News
