China May Conduct An ASAT Missile Test This Month

China Might Conduct Anti-Sat Test This Month – UCS -- Defense News

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) believes China may be planning to conduct an anti-satellite (ASAT) test sometime this month. USC China Project Director Gregory Kulacki provides details about the possible test and its timing in a blog posted today titled “Is January Chinese ASAT Testing Month?”

Background: One hint that China is planning a test is the fact that it used its interceptor technology to destroy targets in space twice before—in 2007 and 2010—on January 11. The 2007 test destroyed a defunct Chinese satellite at an altitude of about 530 miles (850 kilometers (km)). China used the same technology for a missile defense test in 2010.

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Update #1: Chinese ASAT Missile Test Looms -- Washington Free Beacon
Update #2: China said to be planning ASAT test -- EETimes
Update #3: Will China Launch an Anti-Satellite Test Soon? -- Space.com

My Comment: The world cannot afford an arms race in space, but this Chinese test (if it happens) will help to lay the groundwork for such a possibility.

U.S. Intelligence: China To Conduct Anti-Satellite Weapon Test

China To Shoot At High Frontier -- Bill Gertz, Washington Free Beacon

U.S. Intelligence: China to conduct test of more powerful anti-satellite weapon capable of hitting GPS, spy satellites, but after U.S. election.

China’s military is set to conduct a test of a new and more capable anti-satellite missile that United States intelligence agencies say can knock out strategic satellites in high-earth orbit, according to U.S. officials.

However, a recent intelligence assessment said the test of the Dong Ning-2 direct ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon is being delayed in an apparent effort to avoid upsetting President Barack Obama’s reelection bid, said officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Update: China to test new anti-satellite weapon: report -- Taipei Times

My Comment: I am doubtful of the Washington Free Beacon's assertion that the Chinese are delaying their anti-satellite test to help President Obama win re-election .... my impression of the Chinese through all of my years of going there, living there, knowing many Chinese friends .... is that they do not care what happens in a U.S. election cycle. But the Chinese space program is ongoing, and it is their military that is calling the shots. Will they conduct an anti-satellite test .... I guess we will find out in the next few months ... but I would not be surprised.