NASA Chief Exposes China’s Hidden Military Projects in Space, Calling Them “Secretive” | Science & Technology News
According to NASA chief Bill Nelson, China is concealing secret military activities in space.
During a hearing with the House Committee on Appropriations, Nelson stated, “We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme.”
He emphasized the secrecy of China’s advancements in space, especially in the last decade.
NASA’s administrator was testifying to secure the US space agency’s £20.3bn ($25.4bn) budget for 2025.
When questioned about China’s significant investments in space, Nelson acknowledged the competitive race between the US and China.
He expressed the importance of the US reaching the moon first to prevent China from claiming parts of outer space as its own territory.
Nelson used China’s claim of the Spratly Islands as an example of the nation’s territorial ambitions.
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The Artemis Accords, signed by over 40 countries including the UK, require space activities to be peaceful.
However, China has not signed these accords, raising concerns about the nation’s intentions in space.
Nelson hopes that China will recognize the peaceful nature of civilian space programs.
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China currently has 499 satellites in orbit, more than double the number in 2019, according to the US Defense Intelligence Agency.
The nation is also advancing its spy technologies and hypersonic missiles, showcasing its growing space capabilities.
Nelson emphasized China’s impressive space achievements, particularly the construction of the Tiangong space station.
This space station, fully manned and completed in November 2022, signifies China’s significant progress in space exploration.
