China Prepares for Anti-Satellite Missile Test

warrior monk

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China is preparing to conduct a flight test of a new missile capable of destroying satellites in space, one of Beijing’s most potent asymmetric warfare weapons.

Test preparations for the Dong Neng-3 anti-satellite missile were detected at a military facility in central China, according to Pentagon officials familiar with reports of the impending test.

Intelligence agencies were alerted to the impending test by China’s announcement of air closure zones covering the expected flight path of the DN-3.

The flight test could come as early as Thursday, the officials said.

No other details of the missile test were available. A Pentagon spokesman and a State Department official both said, “We do not comment on intelligence matters.”

Asia watcher Henri Kenhmann reported on his website Eastpendulum.com this week that missile tests were expected from the People’s Liberation Army satellite launch facility known as Jiuquan, located in Inner Mongolia, and a second launch complex at Korla, located in Xinjiang, western China.

The expected tests were based on Chinese government announcements of air closure areas for Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 near those sites.

Kenhmann said the flight tests could involve a missile defense interceptor test.

China’s ballistic missile defense and anti-satellite missile programs are closely intertwined.

After Beijing came under international criticism following a 2007 anti-satellite missile test that left thousands of pieces of floating debris in space, it began conducting its anti-satellite missile program under cover of a missile defense system.

The last time China tested a DN-3 anti-satellite missile was Oct. 30, 2015 from the Korla Missile Test Complex.


Kuaizhou-11 space launcher

The anti-satellite missiles are part of what the Pentagon calls “counterspace” forces, part of China’s large-scale military buildup.

“The PLA is acquiring a range of technologies to improve China’s counterspace capabilities,” the Pentagon’s latest report on the Chinese military said.

“In addition to the development of directed energy weapons and satellite jammers, China is also developing anti-satellite capabilities and has probably made progress on the anti-satellite missile system it tested in July 2014.”

In addition to missiles and lasers, China also is working on small maneuvering satellites that can grab and destroy orbiting satellites.

Richard Fisher, a China military affairs specialist, said the DN-3 appears to be based on the Kuaizhou-1 (KZ-1) mobile space launch vehicle.

“It’s about the same size as the DF-31 solid fuel mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM),” he said.

Fisher, senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, said the DN-3 could be capable of hitting satellites more than 18,640 miles away in space—more than enough to reach large U.S. surveillance satellites that occupy orbit 186 to 620 miles from earth.

“In late 2016 or by mid 2017 the PLA may test a larger solid fuel mobile space launch vehicle called the KZ-11, with a 2-meter diameter motor similar in size to the new large and multiple warhead armed DF-41 ICBM,” Fisher said.

Another space launcher on a mobile transporter is being developed called the Long March-11 (LM-11).


Long March-11 space launcher

“Both the KZ-11 and the LM-11 are four-stage solid fuel mobile missiles that could also be used for anti-satellite missions,” Fisher said.

“The bottom line is that the PLA now has at least two deployed ground-launched, mobile, solid fueled direct-ascent ASAT [anti-satellite] systems and may be able to soon field two more larger third generation ground-launched ASAT systems,” he added.

The anti-satellite weapons programs are believed to be under the PLA’s new Strategic Support Force, a dedicated space warfare and cyber warfare service set up in late 2015.

The developmental KZ-11 and LM-11 systems may be used by China to target U.S. Defense Support Program (DSP) early warning satellites, along with high-orbit Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation satellites.

The DN-3 is known as a direct-ascent anti-satellite missile that destroys satellites with a warhead that rams into orbiting systems at high speeds. The DN-3 is also said to have the capability to intercept ballistic missiles in flight.

If the DN-3 test is carried out, it will be China’s ninth known anti-satellite missile test. An earlier anti-satellite missile test was carried out in July 2014.

For both the October 2015 and July 2014 tests, China asserted the tests were part of a missile defense interceptor program.

U.S. officials, however, said both test involved anti-satellite weapons.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman did not return an email seeking comment.

Frank Rose, assistant secretary of state for arms control, verification, and compliance said in February 2015 that Beijing engaged in deception about the 2014 test.

“Despite China’s claims that this was not an ASAT test; let me assure you the United States has high confidence in its assessment, that the event was indeed an ASAT test,” Rose said.

“The continued development and testing of destructive ASAT systems is both destabilizing and threatens the long-term security and sustainability of the outer space environment,” he added.

Chinese netizens posted photos of the purported 2015 ASAT test near Korla, showing contrails said to be the result of the missile.

China also has two additional anti-satellite missiles known as the SC-19 and DN-2.

http://freebeacon.com/national-security/china-prepares-satellite-missile-test/
 

warrior monk

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The last Chinese ASAT test caused enough space debris and headache for India .



Space debris for 2007 test
upload_2016-12-10_13-16-14.png



upload_2016-12-10_13-19-35.png



China on May 13 2013 fired a missile into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center shown above in western China, the missile reportedly reached an altitude of over 6,000 miles, and possibly over 20,000 miles, before it fell back and burned up while reentering the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean. Judging the apogee it is an asat capable missile test.
 

Bornubus

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This means Military and Spy satellites (Including Indian) are big pain in the Ass of Chinese.


During kargil war India had to buy satellite imagery @ Rs 38,000 per frame from a friendly country.


Since then ISRO has done commendable job including launching our own "spy" satellite.
 

warrior monk

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This means Military and Spy satellites (Including Indian) are big pain in the Ass of Chinese.


During kargil war India had to buy satellite imagery @ Rs 38,000 per frame from a friendly country.


Since then ISRO has done commendable job including launching our own "spy" satellite.
It will mostly be used against US space assets and in the future against India.


SC-19 ASAT system.
upload_2016-12-10_14-12-3.png
upload_2016-12-10_14-12-3.png
 

raja696

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On one hand Japan cleaning debris en China breaking loose more debris. Irony China is a permanent UN member.
 

warrior monk

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What is India's deterrence against it. There is no such Anti Satellite ability exist with India. At least overtly.
According to Saraswat India is developing ASAT capabilities . The HTK (Hit to kill ) capability will be tested initially in India's BMD program which will begin phase two testing from 2018 onwards after the FTR (Floating test range )is complete being built for BMD interception of over 5000 kms range missiles.
After the BMD testing phase is complete it will be employed in ASAT HTK vehicle probably after 2020 .We also need large LPAR facilities for tracking longer range Chinese missiles. We have the capability to track Agni 5 continuously throughout its trajectory .
This is also the reason for India testing missiles in depressed trajectory rather than MET. K-4 was probably tested in such trajectory.
 

Indx TechStyle

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What is India's deterrence against it. There is no such Anti Satellite ability exist with India. At least overtly.
September 8th, 2016
GSLV F05/INSAT-3DR
10th Flight of GSLV
Perigee achieved within +-300m of designated point.
Apogee within+-80km of designated point
AND GET THIS:- Inclination error = 0. PERFECT INCLINATION ACHIEVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enough for capabilities demonstration.
Anyway,
A few slides regarding developments/plans in this field, from a DRDO presentation by former chairman VK Saraswat;






Thanks @Gessler
Related Thread:
http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/threads/indias-anti-satellite-weapons.76714/
 

Krusty

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On one hand Japan cleaning debris en China breaking loose more debris. Irony China is a permanent UN member.
China was battered into submission by the Japanese. It was thanks to the allies that they were finally free. Despite opposition from Churchill, china was given membership into UNSC just because it was on the winning side. Not because they demonstrated their prowess. If Churchill was alive, he'd be saying 'I told you so!'.
 

Compersion

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China was battered into submission by the Japanese. It was thanks to the allies that they were finally free. Despite opposition from Churchill, china was given membership into UNSC just because it was on the winning side. Not because they demonstrated their prowess. If Churchill was alive, he'd be saying 'I told you so!'.
Perhaps a timeline of the nuke bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Along with the connexion of China (PRC / Taiwan / ROC) with USA , allied powers.

Along with the connexion of India (including Pakistan and Bangladesh) with UK, allied powers.

Along with the connexion of France with USA, UK, allied powers

Along with the connexion of Soviet Union to Russia with allied powers.

PRC current status is and has union with USA and KMT (ROC / Taiwan).

It is like saying India current status is and has union with UK.

Why did PRC get UNSC in 1970s.

Why did ROC have UNSC upto 1970s.

Can UNSC be communal and assigned from a original holder.

USA - > ROC -> PRC

UK -> India

Sure the status need to stand on its own thereafter.

KMT & Communists together with USA were against the Japanese. (Note - India was also and its territory was used for the same)

India together with UK were against the Germans.

The only question is timing of the nuke tests before the deadline and date of NPT.

India tested after PRC. (separate question about capability).

Did India waive its right to be declared a NWS because they did not test before a certain date. Did India place on record they would never test. Can India take a position on principle and thereafter take membership. India made a sacrifice for principle.

Again refer to the Japanese and in particular Radhabinod Pal .

We Indians like to take positions on principle.

India has not signed the NPT.

Can India be admitted to NPT and have same status to PRC. Today. YES. (Question on ease not here).

How PRC got into NPT the lineage is not a simple straight line and it was not the original signature. PRC admission into UNSC is not on solid ground and cannot be a precedent and repeated. India admission into UNSC and NPT is a ground for principle and precedence and can be repeated.

If China can have many births and rebirths. It is like UK can have many births and rebirths. India is factually and through its performance in the War justified to get UNSC seat and NWS status.

It is a difficult to suggest that PRC, France and Russia (NOT Soviet Union) did more and better to India in the war.

The question on the validity and performance of UN is at question. Perhaps it needs a better representation and principled resurgence.

The permanent 5 cannot deny the role of India. It is proud feeling to know India did not take it the easy way and not on principle and proper precedents like some others. If we have to do it the hard way and be the ONLY ONE on principle. I support fully.
 

Krusty

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Perhaps a timeline of the nuke bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Along with the connexion of China (PRC / Taiwan / ROC) with USA , allied powers.

Along with the connexion of India (including Pakistan and Bangladesh) with UK, allied powers.

Along with the connexion of France with USA, UK, allied powers

Along with the connexion of Soviet Union to Russia with allied powers.

PRC current status is and has union with USA and KMT (ROC / Taiwan).

It is like saying India current status is and has union with UK.

Why did PRC get UNSC in 1970s.

Why did ROC have UNSC upto 1970s.

Can UNSC be communal and assigned from a original holder.

USA - > ROC -> PRC

UK -> India

Sure the status need to stand on its own thereafter.

KMT & Communists together with USA were against the Japanese. (Note - India was also and its territory was used for the same)

India together with UK were against the Germans.

The only question is timing of the nuke tests before the deadline and date of NPT.

India tested after PRC. (separate question about capability).

Did India waive its right to be declared a NWS because they did not test before a certain date. Did India place on record they would never test. Can India take a position on principle and thereafter take membership. India made a sacrifice for principle.

Again refer to the Japanese and in particular Radhabinod Pal .

We Indians like to take positions on principle.

India has not signed the NPT.

Can India be admitted to NPT and have same status to PRC. Today. YES. (Question on ease not here).

How PRC got into NPT the lineage is not a simple straight line and it was not the original signature. PRC admission into UNSC is not on solid ground and cannot be a precedent and repeated. India admission into UNSC and NPT is a ground for principle and precedence and can be repeated.

If China can have many births and rebirths. It is like UK can have many births and rebirths. India is factually and through its performance in the War justified to get UNSC seat and NWS status.

It is a difficult to suggest that PRC, France and Russia (NOT Soviet Union) did more and better to India in the war.

The question on the validity and performance of UN is at question. Perhaps it needs a better representation and principled resurgence.

The permanent 5 cannot deny the role of India. It is proud feeling to know India did not take it the easy way and not on principle and proper precedents like some others. If we have to do it the hard way and be the ONLY ONE on principle. I support fully.
The P5 is a joke. UNSC meetings are pointless since the status quo will always be maintained by their vetos. No one can agree on anything.
This topic is exactly what got me banned in Quora. India had the largest standing volunteer army in WW2. Weather it not the west likes to admit it, Indians were instrumental in holding the middle eastern, North African and the far eastern fronts virtually guaranteeing the allies freedom to concentrate on the war in Europe and the pacific. Although the Brits don't like to admit it. The so called 'plucky Brit' image could be built only because of indias. And I have not even begun to talk about the food and raw materials flowing from India to Europe for their war effort. The only problem we had was that at the helm was an incompetent Nehru and a naive Gandhi. I hammered home this point to every westerner. I don't even think it was legitimate reason for a ban. But I used to get atleast ten infractions Everyday from mods for being 'politically correct'. Not to mention facts give Pakistanis and Chinese jitters. Soon, the ban hammer fell.
 
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