According to a story reported yesterday by the Associated Press, China has demonstrated nimble maneuvering of its satellites in orbit, a feat few other nations have been able to achieve.
The rendezvous between two of its orbiting craft, which occurred on August 19 and was not declared by China but was instead observed by international tracking stations, has set off alarm in some circles. This capability must be employed by China in order to successfully launch and dock with their future proposed space laboratories, yet it may also double as the ability to intercept and sabotage enemy satellites and spacecraft.
Regardless of the potential military applications, the certain reality is that China’s space program is moving ahead at a determined pace. This demonstration of their growing space capabilities is another reinforcement of just how serious they are about becoming a player in the future utilization of space.
Chronicles of an Atomic Astrowright 