Dragon in Orbit: China's Pragmatic Approach to Space Strategy

On January 11 2007 a rocket streaked from China into the sky. This rocket intercepted a non-functional Chinese weather satellite successfully demonstrating the ability of the Chinese to kinetically destroy low earth orbiting satellites from the ground. While this launch was a success it resulted in condemnations from countries around the world. The US and many other countries are critically dependant on space systems for military and economic purposes. The lack of transparency in its space program has made it difficult to determine what Chinas space strategy is. This paper tries to pull back the curtain to reveal its true goals and objectives. To understand Chinas space strategy it is necessary to first look at its beginning and how its successes and failures shaped the program. Next a brief review of Chinese national strategy shows how the space program is used to address critical national goals.