According to a study published in the Chinese journal Infrared and Laser Engineering, US Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites have carried out at least 14 close-reconnaissance missions to spy on Chinese satellites over valuable and advanced orbiters in geostationary orbit (GEO) between February 2020 and December 2021.
The Chinese scientists who conducted the study note that these close approaches pose a serious threat to the security of Chinese space assets. They also highlight that the satellites examined by the United States are important to China as they serve critical national security, economic, and scientific objectives.
The US satellites came close to several Chinese satellites, including the Tianlian 2-01 space tracking and data relay satellite, the BDS BD-2 G8, the Chinese equivalent of the US GPS system, and the SJ-20, a communications satellite from a high-performance network that provides broadband Internet access to users in China and other Asian countries.
The study also reveals information classified by the United States Government about the capabilities of a GSSAP satellite, such as the size of the satellite’s camera lenses, the resolution of the image sensors, and its ability to detect and track other satellites. as well as its means of communication with the terrestrial stations. Chinese scientists point out that this information can be used by other countries to hinder the operation of satellites in the future.
The study concludes that close reconnaissance missions by US satellites pose a threat to China’s national security and global space security. Chinese scientists urge the international community to take measures to protect space and ensure the safety of space assets in all countries.