China launches satellite to test technology to clear space debris

Beijing: – China launched a satellite to test the technology necessary to clear space debris. On Sunday morning, Chinese agencies informed that the satellite Shijian-21 was successfully launched into orbit. This is the 39th satellite launched by China in the current year. China has majorly expedited space operations over the last few years. Against this background, a satellite launched to test the technology to clear space debris becomes a significant development.

The satellite Shijian-21 was launched into orbit on Sunday morning. Chinese agencies informed that the satellite would test the Space Mitigation Technology in the space sector. It has been noted that the Long March-3B carrier rocket was used to launch the satellite. This is the 39th satellite launch by China this year. Moreover, there are indications that two more space missions will be carried out soon.

The Chinese space agency established Space Debris Monitoring and Application Centre in 2015. The launch of this satellite is considered to be a part of the mission of this centre. But analysts and experts claim that there could be a dual use of the satellite as the Chinese space program is associated with the country’s military. John William Raymond, chief of the US Space Force, had warned about the capabilities of the Shijian-17 satellite launched by China a few years ago.

Earlier, fears have been expressed that the Chinese satellites launched for testing various technologies can cause harm to the satellites and vehicles of other countries. Accusations have also been made that the rockets and vehicles launched by China in space are also being used for surveillance, other military purposes, and research. A few months ago, US military intelligence also had released a report warning about the Chinese movements in space.

US analyst Gordon Chang had issued a sensational warning at the end of last year that there can be a repeat of 9/11 in space, pointing to the Chinese ambitions in space.