A new report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a Washington-based think tank, says China now leads the US in satellite navigation, Earth observation (reconnaissance), and counterspace (anti-satellite) capabilities.
The report says China's gains come from the rapid expansion of its BeiDou navigation system, advanced Earth-imaging satellite programs such as Gaofen and Jilin-1, and continued investment in anti-satellite technologies, including electronic warfare and directed-energy weapons.
ITIF says China's space industry has transformed into a fast-growing commercial ecosystem with strong government backing.
Private companies are also developing reusable rockets and large satellite constellations, while many of these technologies have both civilian and military uses, including navigation, communications, surveillance, and tracking.
The report warns that if current trends continue, China could match or surpass the US in more space sectors over the next decade, potentially reshaping the global space economy and military balance.
However, the report also says that the US still leads in reusable rocket launches, launch capacity, low-Earth orbit broadband satellite networks, and overall space innovation.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
