Active Exploration and Peaceful Use of Outer Space

Chang Xianqi and Sui Junqin

Introduction

China's manned space began more than 40 years after those of Russia and the United States. In 1992, China formally began implementing its manned space flight project which reached a major milestone in November 1999 with the successful launch and recovery of Shenzhou I -- an unmanned experimental spacecraft that demonstrated China's grasp of the basic technologies needed for manned space-flight. The project culminated in China's first manned flight with the Shenzhou V mission, launched in October 2003 -- making China the third country in the world to carry out an independent manned space mission. And on Oct 12, 2005, Shenzhou VI conducted a two-person, multiple-day space flight experiment, another major step forward.

The smooth development of China's manned space program with its consecutive successful experiments, and in particular the success of Shenzhou VI, has attracted much attention and praise from the world. The peaceful purpose of the Chinese government's space exploration is beyond doubt. Actively exploring and peacefully using outer space are the basic principles upon which China is developing its space program.

Technology and Science in Space

China has made significant contributions to human progress in science and space exploration through its development of space technology and many scientific experiments in space.

The primary goals of China's manned space flight tests are to conduct Earth observation from space, space science research, and technological experiments. The science performed in the course of the various Shenzhou flight tests therefore primarily emphasizes the following two missions:

First, there is the mission of Earth observation, which includes both orbital experiments and application activities. The aim of this mission is to develop advanced space-based remote sensors at a pace matching international developments, and to expand research on Earth sciences. Remote sensing research utilizes optical spectrum and microwave technologies for studying the ocean, land and air.

Technologies utilized include, for example, moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometry (MODIS), multi-mode microwave remote sensing (including microwave altimetry, radiometry, and scatterometry) and Earth environment monitoring, as well as research into other remote sensing applications. Earth environment monitoring includes solar constant monitoring, solar and Earth ultraviolet radiation monitoring, and Earth radiation budget exploration.

Second, there is China's mission of space science research, which covers space life science, microgravity science (including projects on space material science and microgravity fluid physics), space astronomy projects, and space environment forecasting and monitoring tasks.

The space life science and technology research develops equipment intended to explore the fields of space biological effects, space crystallization of protein, space cell cultivation, space cell electro-fusion, and isolation and purification of biopolymers. The space material science effort aims to develop multi-position crystal growth furnaces and observation equipment for studying crystal growth. This includes research both into materials for space use (such as binary and ternary semiconductor optoelectronic materials, transparent oxide crystals, metals, alloys and so on) and crystal growth in space, including space crystal growth kinetics. The space environment forecasting and monitoring pro-ject includes research for the Space Environment Forecast Center, which will provide space environment forecasts for the long, medium and short terms, as well as research intended to predict effects on astronauts, manned spacecraft and space equipment.

Viewpoints on Shenzhou

China's successful launches of the Shenzhou series spacecraft have drawn a great deal of attention from around world. Most people are impressed and delighted by the contributions and brilliant achievements that China has made in space exploration, but there are also those who are critical and view China's active development of space flight as having military intent. Regardless of the attitude of outside observers, the fact that countries all over the world are focusing on, and want to learn more about, China's space program is a positive thing.

Negative views of China's space program primarily reflect concerns about the following two aspects, which require analysis and discussion to promote understanding.

Orbital Maneuvering Technology and the Threat of Missile Penetration

In the view of some, the Shenzhou missions, with their orbital changes in mid-course, are signs that China has grasped technology that can be used to counter the U.S. missile defense system. Some argue that the Shenzhou missions proved that after the spacecraft enters its orbit, it can be rotated even with a low-rate propulsion system. Thus, the thinking goes, China could apply this technology to its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) -- that is, if an enemy tries to intercept a missile from China, the missile could change its trajectory to avoid interception. This would mean that Chinese ICBMs would be able to evade the U.S. missile defense system.

Actually, the orbital maneuver technology used for manned spacecraft is the same as that used for satellites. It is not a new technology. In the late 1970s, China had already successfully launched and retrieved satellites. Since that time, Chinese orbital maneuver technology has been very sophisticated -- even prior to the inception of the U.S. Strategic Defense Initiative. If this capability is truly a threat to the U.S. missile defense system, then that threat preceded the Chinese manned space program. Moreover, major space-faring countries such as the United States and Russia grasped this technology ahead of China.

In regard to the U.S. missile defense program, China opposes an arms race in any form. This position is evident in its consistent and strong support for the non-weaponization of space. China is willing to work with other nations to prevent the deployment of weapons in space by any country or region. If the United States ultimately chooses to deploy weapons in space, it will be profoundly regrettable; however, it will have no impact on China's space program, particularly its manned space program. Regardless of circumstance, China will continue to resolutely uphold its defense-oriented national defense policy, and continue to explore and utilize outer space for peaceful purposes.

Manned Space Flight and the Threat of Ground Reconnaissance

An article published on Spacedaily.com, a U.S. professional aerospace website, said “Shenzhou has carried surveillance payloads in the past, and the presence of a crew on a long-duration flight presents an excellent opportunity for advancing this type of mission.” 1

The report further stated that “crews on Soviet and Russian space stations have routinely used high-resolution film cameras to monitor the Earth beneath them, and China could be planning to do the same.” A report from Japan's Sankei Shimbun said that Shenzhou VI can obtain observation data on 80 percent of the Earth's surface, and explore military installations and underground resources of other countries to some extent; thus, China's intelligence-gathering capacity would be improved considerably.2 Further, the report noted, if China establishes a space station, most countries will be perpetually under Chinese observation.

Two problems exist in the viewpoints mentioned above. First, it is unnecessary for China to use a manned spacecraft in order to undertake reconnaissance. Unmanned space vehicles can, of course, observe the ground from space; this is one function of China's application satellites, e.g. meteorological, resource observation and disaster monitoring satellites. China has possessed this technology for a long time, and it can be deployed entirely on satellites. Thus, it is not necessary to perform ground observation by manned spacecraft with limited payloads.

Second, singling out China for such attention is illogical. Nations other than China have utilized Earth observation capabilities for reconnaissance purposes. Furthermore, the major space-faring powers launch numerous Earth observation satellites each year and their precision is improving. Do these not pose larger threats to the safety of other countries? In addition, there are other countries that have carried out manned space flights for many days and also have space stations in orbit year-round. Do these not also pose greater military threats to other countries? This rationale is analogous to stating that a sovereign country has no right to possess Earth observation technology.

Compared with China's other space programs, its manned space project plays a vital and highly unique role. Enormous scientific and economic value can be derived from its continued development, which will produce long-term economic benefits. The program also has great political significance in its ability to inspire national spirit, pride, confidence and unity in the Chinese nation.

As was explained above, the technologies adopted in China's manned space flight program, including the Shenzhou series spacecraft, are essential for conducting space experiments. These experiments are aimed at developing basic technologies to be utilized for the peaceful exploitation of space. A reliable and accurate launch vehicle, with its fault self-detection systems, escape system as well as spacecraft orbital maneuver technology are capabilities that were mastered by the United States and Russia long ago. It is obvious that assertions judging China's manned spacecraft program as a military threat are baseless.

This is not to suggest, however, that the space program cannot improve China's national security in a number of ways. First, space technology, and its development, can facilitate the transformation of national economic structures, stimulate the growth of new commercial sectors, and enhance comprehensive national strength.

In addition, space capabilities, due to their inherent dual-use applications (such as Earth surveillance, navigation and positioning), possess a strong deterrent value. They can prevent an opponent from acting rashly during a national security standoff. In the event of war, space-based support functions -- such as Earth surveillance, navigation and positioning -- will greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of China's weapon systems.

Future Development of China's Space Mission

China will persist in taking the road of peaceful development and unswervingly pursue a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. The development goal for China to strive for in the first 20 years of this century is to build a moderately prosperous society. China will mainly rely on its own strength for development, and therefore poses no obstacle or threat to any one. China needs a peaceful international environment for its own development, which in turn will enhance peace and development in the world.

The Chinese government has long seen its space mission as an important part of its overall development strategy, and has consistently adhered to the goal of exploring and utilizing outer space peacefully for the benefit of mankind. China's basic task as a developing country is to build its economy, continuously modernize and boost overall national strength. The important position and role of space activities in safeguarding national interests and implementing national development strategies determine the specific goals for China's space mission.

With regard to bolstering national strength, the development of ‘micro-technology,' particularly microelectronic technology, has led to the birth of small and micro-satellites, which will continue to play a key role in China's space program. Employing the new design concept of miniaturized satellites, scientists can reduce construction time while lowering the cost and risk of R&D. Thus, miniaturized satellites can be mass-produced more easily and along with their capacity to operate in constellations, have demonstrated superior operational capability.

Demonstrating rapid sector growth and widespread application, small and micro-satellites are highly valued by the space sector both in China and abroad. From 1985 to 2000, 660 small satellites were put into orbit worldwide, half of which were micro-satellites. This percentage has been growing with recent progress in aerospace technology. As a key player among the world's space-faring nations, China has also attached great significance to the development of micro-satellites. In fact, China has already begun the research, development and deployment of a series of small and micro-satellites.

However, China will continue to adhere to a defense-oriented national defense policy. Its exploration and utilization of space, including the development and application of micro-satellites, is for peaceful purposes only. China's fledging micro-satellite capabilities are expected to make significant contributions to the civilian field of satellite telecommunications, environmental disaster monitoring, scientific experimentation and high altitude surveillance. In this way, China will be able to facilitate economic growth while enhancing its national strength.

Currently, however, China does not have any plan to use micro-satellites as anti-satellite weapons. This appears to hold true for future defense planning as well. Like many new high technologies, small and micro-satellites are typical dual-use technologies with military and civilian applications. Since China is neither the first country to possess this technology, nor the country with the most advanced technology, it seems incomprehensible that China should cause concern to others.

Short-term Goals

The 21st Century will be a time when world space activities will thrive. Developments planned for China's space program in the near-term (approximately the next five years) include:3



● To build up an Earth observation system for long-term stable operation. The meteorological satellites, resource satellites, oceanic satellites and disaster monitoring satellites can develop into an Earth observation system for long-term stable operation to conduct stereoscopic observation and dynamic monitoring of the land, atmosphere, and oceanic environments of the country, the peripheral regions and even the whole globe;

● To set up an independently operated satellite broadcasting and telecommunications system. Positive support will be given to the development of commercial broadcasting and telecommunications satellites such as geo-stationary telecom satellites and TV direct broadcasting satellites with long operating life, high reliability and large capacity, so as to form China's satellite telecom industry;

● To establish an independent satellite navigation and positioning system. This will be achieved by setting up a navigation and positioning satellite group step by step and developing a relevant application system, which will eventually bring into being China's satellite navigation and positioning industry;

● To upgrade the overall level and capacity of China's launch vehicles. This will be achieved by improving the performance and reliability of the “Long-March” group, developing the next generation of launch vehicles with non-toxic, non-polluting, high-performance and low-cost qualities, forming a new group of launch vehicles and strengthening the capability of providing international commercial launching services;

● To establish a coordinated and complete national satellite remote-sensing application system by building various related ground application systems through overall planning, setting up a remote-sensing data receiving, processing and distributing system covering the whole country for data sharing, and forming a fairly complete application system in major application fields of satellite remote-sensing; and

● To develop space science and explore outer space by developing a scientific research and technological experiment satellite group of the next generation, strengthening studies of space micro-gravity, space material science, space life science, space environment and space astronomy, and carrying out pre-study for outer space exploration centering on the exploration of the Moon.

Long-term Targets

Long-term (approximately the next 15 years or more) development goals include:

● To achieve industrialization and market share of space technology and space applications. The exploration and utilization of space resources shall meet a wide range of the demands of economic construction, state security, science and technology development and social progress, and contribute to the strengthening of the comprehensive national strength;

● To establish a multi-function and multi-orbit space infrastructure composed of various satellite systems and set up a satellite ground application system that harmonizes spacecraft and ground equipment to form an integrated ground-space network system in full, constant and long-term operation in accordance with the overall planning of the state;

● To realize manned spaceflight and establish an initially complete R&D and testing system for manned space projects; and

● To obtain a more important place in the world in the field of space science with further achievements and carry out exploration and studies of space according to China's condition and needs.

Conclusion

Like all other sciences and technologies that have contributed to human progress, that of space can promote peace and bring prosperity to mankind if peaceful forces utilize it. If terrorist or extremist forces control it, it may pose an enormous threat to the survival of mankind. Therefore, determining the military threat of space development involves two fundamental issues: the issue of technical know-how as well as policy motives.

As an important force for peace in the world, China pursues an independent and peaceful foreign policy. China is modernizing its national defense to satisfy its most basic needs to avoid being at the mercy of others. China is among the most avid supporters of the peaceful application of outer space and has, on numerous occasions, advocated against space weaponization at the United Nations. The policy motive of China in developing space technology is to observe, understand and conquer nature to better benefit mankind. China's mastery of manned space flight technology is not a threat to anyone. Rather, it is a significant step in using high technology to advance world peace and progress of the Chinese nation.



Endnotes
1. Morris Jones, “Weighing Up Shenzhou VI,” at Spacedaily.com, Sept. 27, 2005. See: http://www.spacedaily.com/news/china-05zzzzzzzr.html.
2. Cheng Gang, Li Runtian, Zhang Lixia, Zhou Dehao, “The Shenzhou VI Poses No Military Threat”, Global Times, Oct. 24, 2005.
3. This section is comprised of excerpts from: “White Paper: China’s Space Activities”, The Information Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, November 2000.