Politics AEROSPACE, ASIA, CHINA, DEFENSE, MEXICO, MILITARY, MILITARY COOPERATION, NANJING UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NORTH AMERICA, ROBOTICS, SPACE EXPLORATION, STARLINK, SUN, SUN ZHIBIN, TIANGONG, TIANGONG SPACE STATION, UNIVERSITY OF Clara Montgomery May 29, 2025 0 Comments

China Plans to Develop Self-Defense Robots for Tiangong Space Station

China is advancing a self-defense system for its Tiangong space station, intending to intercept and redirect potentially hazardous spacecraft with robotic technology, according to senior scientist Sun Zhibin. This comes after close encounters with Starlink satellites, prompting emergency maneuvers. Sun highlighted the importance of assessing incoming objects and potentially deploying robots for safety.

In a notable development from China’s space program, officials revealed plans to equip the Tiangong space station with self-defense robotic units. This information was presented by Sun Zhibin, a senior scientist, during a recent discussion at Nanjing University of Science and Technology.

According to Sun, the proposed defense system would allow for rapid-response measures against potentially harmful spacecraft. He detailed a scenario in which an uninvited vehicle might approach the Tiangong station, possibly for reconnaissance or interference. “Sometimes another spacecraft may deliberately come close – maybe just to take a look – but it can still interfere with our operations,” he explained, highlighting the delicate nature of orbital operations.

The planned system includes a robotic thruster capable of attaching to unidentified spacecraft and redirecting them if necessary. The scientist emphasized the strategy behind interactions with these objects, noting that assessment of intent is essential before taking action. If a close encounter is deemed potentially problematic, operators might decide to dodge or even reposition the station. Alternatively, deploying a small robot to engage the approaching object is also on the table.

This proactive approach follows incidents involving satellites from SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. On two separate occasions, Starlink satellites—specifically Starlink-1095 and Starlink-2305—drifted into the operational orbit of Tiangong, necessitating emergency avoidance maneuvers on July 1 and October 21.

China’s move to integrate self-defense mechanisms into the Tiangong space station underscores its commitment to securing vital space infrastructure. The outlined strategy, which involves assessing threats and responding with countermeasures, reflects growing concerns over the safety of orbital operations amid increased satellite navigation traffic. As this plan unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how it influences both national security and international space relations.

Original Source: www.scmp.com