Space Force: Less Than a Decade Left to Win Space Race with China

When it comes to building up capabilities in space, China is outpacing the U.S., top military officials warn.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, December 08, 2021 at 06:13 PM ET

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A portion of the International Space Station's U.S. segment. [Courtesy: NASA]

Key Takeaways:

Top U.S. military officials warn that China is rapidly outpacing the U.S. in developing space capabilities, potentially becoming the dominant space power by 2030 due to its development rate being twice that of the U.S.
The competition with China extends beyond space, encompassing a broader military modernization that includes advanced and difficult-to-defend capabilities like hypersonic weapons.
U.S. officials emphasize the urgent need for accelerated technology development, industry innovation, and new defensive measures to counter China's advancements and maintain military superiority.

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When it comes to building up capabilities in space, China is outpacing the U.S., top military officials warn.

“We are absolutely in a strategic competition with China and space is a part of that,” General David D. Thompson, vice chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force, said at the Reagan National Defense Forum held over the weekend at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.