Media learns of US concerns over China’s deployment of robotic arm in space
China’s deployment of a robotic arm to be installed on the core module of its third space station has raised concerns in the United States, which Washington says could be used for military purposes, the South China Morning Post reports .
A few days ago, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) released an animation showing one of its developments. It is a 10-meter manipulator arm capable of lifting objects weighing up to 20 tons and moving outside the orbital station. It consists of seven joints, is equipped with end effectors and a video surveillance system. It is planned to be installed on the Tianhe base module. China is expected to deploy its third orbital station in 2022.
As the newspaper notes, US Space Force Commander General James Dickinson, speaking at a congressional hearing, said that this development could become a threat to the country in space.
The publication writes that China has already launched devices into space that had similar technology. In particular, in November 2016, China sent the Shijian-17 satellite into orbit, which was equipped with a robotic arm designed to collect space debris. According to Dickinson, the Chinese satellite, using a robotic arm, is potentially capable of shooting down American space objects.
According to the general, in the event of a war in space, the Chinese development is capable of attacking American GPS satellites, which will lead to the disabling of aircraft carriers, fifth-generation fighters, tanks and missile systems that operate using GPS.
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank said Shijian-17 had made a number of “unusual maneuvers” over the years and changed its position relative to other satellites.
Macau-based military analyst Anthony Wong Dong, in turn, noted that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) began equipping its spacecraft with robotic weapons back in the 1990s. According to him, it is understandable why the US has expressed concern about the Chinese development. “The key question is when it will be used by the Chinese and what is its real purpose,” he said.