china-us space coop crs.pdfVIP

Order Code RS22777 Updated May 21, 2008 China’s Space Program: Options for U.S.-China Cooperation Jeffrey Logan Specialist in Energy Policy Resources, Science, and Industry Division Summary China has a determined, yet still modest, program of civilian space activities planned for the next decade. The potential for U.S.-China cooperation in space — an issue of interest to Congress — has become more controversial since the January 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test. The test reinforced concerns about Chinese intentions in outer space and jeopardized space assets of more than two dozen countries by creating a large cloud of orbital space debris. Some argue that Chinese capabilities now threaten U.S. space assets in low earth orbit. Others stress the need to expand dialogue with China. This report outlines recent activities and future plans in China’s civilian space sector. It also discusses benefits and trade-offs of possible U.S.-China collaboration in space, as well as several options to improve space relations, including information exchange, policy dialogue, and joint activities. For more information, see CRS Report RS21641, China’s Space Program: An Overview. Introduction China has made clear advances in space capabilities over the past decade. The country has launched over 100 orbital missions since 1970, including a string of 50 consecutive successful Long March rocket launches from 1996 to 2006, after overcoming technical problems with the help of U.S. companies in the mid-1990s.1 China sent humans into space in 2003 and 2005, and orbited a lunar explorer in Octobe