Pentagon Expresses Growing Fears Due to Actions of Russia and China in Space
Published in Rossiskaya Gazeta
(Russia) on 10 May 2016
by Petr Likhomanov (link to original)
(Russia) on 10 May 2016
by Petr Likhomanov (link to original)
Translated from
by Catherine Harris.
Edited by Elizabeth Cosgriff.
In the United States, there is growing fear as Russia and China advance space technology. Navy Adm. Cecil Haney,* the head of command, suggested just this as noted in an article published by The Washington Post.
This article — which notably cites Pentagon officials — states that Russia, China, and other countries are developing technology, which will allow for the capability to potentially disable a group of U.S. military satellites.
“Every military operation that takes place in the world today is critically dependent on space in one way or another. Whether our own people in the United States are fully cognizant of the dependence on space or not, the rest of the world has been watching us very closely. We must remember that despite our efforts, a future conflict may start, or extend, into space,” stated Adm. Haney.*
His concerns, for example, refer to the Chinese test missile, which reached a remote orbit where the main U.S. military satellites are located — “the most valuable real estate in space,” according to Haney.*
It is worth recalling that Russia repeatedly offered to demilitarize outer space. Again in April, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov promised that the country wouldn’t be the first to put weapons in space. At the end of last year, Russia initiated a draft resolution for consideration by the General Assembly of the United Nations. However, the United States blocked the movement. Moreover, in 2016, the Pentagon plans to spend $22 billion on the space program and $5 billion to “invest” in space exercises, which include a highly classified program for offensive action.
*Translator’s note: The actual quotes are from Gen. John Hyten, commander of the U.S. Air Force Space Command.
This article — which notably cites Pentagon officials — states that Russia, China, and other countries are developing technology, which will allow for the capability to potentially disable a group of U.S. military satellites.
“Every military operation that takes place in the world today is critically dependent on space in one way or another. Whether our own people in the United States are fully cognizant of the dependence on space or not, the rest of the world has been watching us very closely. We must remember that despite our efforts, a future conflict may start, or extend, into space,” stated Adm. Haney.*
His concerns, for example, refer to the Chinese test missile, which reached a remote orbit where the main U.S. military satellites are located — “the most valuable real estate in space,” according to Haney.*
It is worth recalling that Russia repeatedly offered to demilitarize outer space. Again in April, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov promised that the country wouldn’t be the first to put weapons in space. At the end of last year, Russia initiated a draft resolution for consideration by the General Assembly of the United Nations. However, the United States blocked the movement. Moreover, in 2016, the Pentagon plans to spend $22 billion on the space program and $5 billion to “invest” in space exercises, which include a highly classified program for offensive action.
*Translator’s note: The actual quotes are from Gen. John Hyten, commander of the U.S. Air Force Space Command.
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