Analysis of Developments in the Space Domain
Russia just tested satellite-destroying tech in space, US Space Command claims
On July 15th, a Russian satellite called Kosmos 2543 released an unknown object into orbit…the object was released near another Russian
There was no kinetic impact and no debris.
Kosmos 2543 itself was deployed from Kosmos 2542 in December 2019. 2543 then released a “grandbaby” object on 15 July.
Kosmos 2543 previously “stalked” a US National Security satellite.
“The Russian satellite system used to conduct this on-orbit weapons test is the same satellite system that we raised concerns about earlier this year, when Russia maneuvered near a U.S. government satellite”— Gen Raymond
China successfully launches interplanetary mission to Mars with rover in tow
This is one of THREE separate Mars expeditions launched this month (UAE and the USA being the others). July 2020 provides optimal orbital conditions for sending probes from Earth to Mars. These conditions persist for 1-2 months and only occur every 2 years. If China’s landing is successful, it will have pulled off a feat that only NASA has mastered, elevating the nation into an elite tier of the global space community.
China Completes Beidou Global Navigation System:
— 6 in Geo-Stationary Orbit (GEO)
— 10 in Inclined Geo-Stationary Orbit (IGSO)
— 26 in Mid Earth Orbit (MEO)
For China, among the chief advantages of the system is the ability to replace GPS for guiding its missiles, especially important now amid rising tensions with Washington.
