US-China Relations Updates

NASA administrator Bill Nelson criticized China’s space agency last month, saying it lacks transparency and has endangered other countries.

Why it matters: Uncontrolled reentries of rockets launched by China in recent years have raised safety concerns and prompted calls for additional established norms of behavior for space-faring nations.

• However, the effectiveness of those established norms would depend on the openness of countries’ space agencies and their willingness to cooperate with other space agencies.

What He said: “China is simply not cooperative, nor are they transparent,” Nelson told Axios space reporter Miriam Kramer at the second annual What’s Next Summit in March.

Sounds Chinese are not willing to talk and not Corporative at all because we never heard of Chinese counterparts in response to the above blame.

The competition between China and the USA in space technology has a long history, dating back to the Cold War era. Here are some of the key events and milestones:

1. 1957: The Soviet Union launches the first satellite, Sputnik, which triggers the start of the Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union.
2. 1961: Yuri Gagarin becomes the first person to orbit the Earth, marking a major milestone in the Soviet Union’s space program.
3. 1969: The US lands astronauts on the Moon as part of the Apollo program, marking a major achievement in the US space program.
4. 1972: The last Apollow mission to the Moon takes place, marking the end of the US’s manned Lunar program.
5. 1992: China launches its first satellite, marking the start of its space program.
6. 2003: China becomes the third country to send a human into space, after the US and the Soviet Union.
7. 2007: China launches an anti-satellite missile, destroying one of its own satellites and creating debris in space.
8. 2011: The US retires its Space Shuttle program, marking the end of its manned spaceflight program for several years.
9. 2013: China lands a rover on the Moon, becoming the third country to do so after the US and the Soviet Union.
10. 2019: China becomes the first country to land a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon, marking a significant achievement in its space program.

Overall, the competition between China and the US in space technology has been characterized by major achievements and milestones, as well as geopolitical tensions and concerns about the militarization of space. Despite these challenges, there is also significant potential for cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in areas such as space exploration, satellite technology, and space-based communications.

In 2011, the US Congress passed a law known as the Wolf Amendment, which prohibits NASA from collaborating with China on certain space-related activities, including human spaceflight and technology transfer. The Wolf Amendment was introduced in response to concerns about China’s space program and its potential military applications.

One of the main concerns is that China’s space program is closely tied to its military and that its advancements in space technology could have military applications. Additionally, there are concerns about intellectual property theft and the potential for China to use US technology for military purposes.

As a result of these concerns, the US has limited its cooperation with China in certain areas of space technology. However, there are still opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in areas such as space science, remote sensing, and Earth observation.

Overall, the US-China relationship in space technology is complex and has been influenced by a variety of political, economic, and security concerns. If we look back the interview comments by Nelson, it’s actually not because the Chinese don’t want to cooperate, they can not even send emails to you or your colleagues, because it will against Wolf Amendment.

There are several challenges that the US and China would need to overcome in order to increase cooperation in space technology:

1. National Security Concerns: One of the main challenges to cooperation between the US and China in space technology is concerns about national security. The US has limited its cooperation with China in certain areas of space technology due to concerns about China’s military applications and intellectual property protection.
2. Geopolitical Tensions: The US-China relationship is complex and has been influenced by geopolitical tensions and competition in a variety of areas. This could create challenges for cooperation in space technology, particularly if it is seen as a tool for extending influence and power in the global arena.
3. Intellectual Property Protection: There are concerns about intellectual property theft and the potential for China to use US technology for military purposes. This could create challenges for cooperation in space technology that involves the transfer of technology or knowledge.
4. Regulatory Differences: The US and China have different regulatory environments for space technology, which could create challenges for cooperation in areas such as technology standards, licensing, and certification.
5. Data Sharing and Privacy: The collection and sharing of data is a critical aspect of space technology, but there are concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. The US and China would need to develop trust and Transparency mechanisms to ensure the secure and responsible sharing of data.
6. Wolf Amendment law

Overall, increasing cooperation between the US and China in space technology will require addressing these challenges and finding ways to build trust and transparency between the two countries. While there are limitations to cooperation, there is also significant potential for collaboration in areas such as space science, remote sensing, and Earth observation.

Despite the challenges and limitations to cooperation between the US and China in space technology, there are several areas where the two countries could collaborate, including:

1. Space Science: The US and China are both leaders in space science research, including areas such as astrophysics, planetary science, and space weather. There is potential for collaboration in areas such as joint missions, data sharing, and joint research projects.
2. Earth Observation: Both the US and China have advanced remote sensing capabilities, including satellite-based observations of the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and oceans. There is potential for collaboration in areas such as climate monitoring, disaster response, and resource management.
3. Space Exploration: The US and China are both investing in space exploration, including missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. There is potential for collaboration in areas such as joint missions, technology development, and knowledge sharing.
4. Space-Based Communications: Both the US and China rely on space-based communications for a variety of applications, including satellite-based navigation and global telecommunications. There is potential for collaboration in areas such as satellite design and development, as well as standards and interoperability.
5. Space Debris Mitigation: The increasing amount of space debris in orbit is a growing concern for the global space community. There is potential for collaboration between the US and China in areas such as space debris tracking, mitigation technologies, and responsible space operations.

Overall, there are several areas where the US and China could collaborate in space technology, which could have significant benefits for both countries and for global innovation and development. However, cooperation will require increased dialogue, transparency, and trust-building between the two countries, as well as a shared commitment to responsible and ethical space operations.

However, with Wolf Amendment, how can they work together?

The Wolf Amendment, which restricts NASA’s cooperation with China in certain areas of space technology, does create limitations on the scope of cooperation between the US and China in space. However, there are still opportunities for collaboration in areas that are not covered by the amendment or that do not involve technology transfer.

One area where the US and China have been able to cooperate is in the field of space science. For example, China’s Chang’e lunar exploration program has included scientific instruments developed by US institutions, and US scientists have participated in the analysis of data from Chinese lunar missions.

Another area where the US and China could potentially cooperate is in space-based observations of the Earth’s environment. Both countries have advanced remote sensing capabilities and could potentially share data and collaborate on research projects related to climate monitoring, disaster response, and resource management.

In addition, there are opportunities for cooperation between the US and China in multilateral space initiatives, such as the International Space Station and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Both countries are active participants in these initiatives and could potentially work together on joint projects or initiatives.

Overall, while the Wolf Amendment does limit the scope of cooperation between the US and China in space technology, there are still opportunities for collaboration in areas that are not covered by the amendment or that do not involve technology transfer. One idea can think of is the corporation through universities or research institutes, not through NASA directly.

China has ambitious plans for its space program over the next 30 years. Some of the key goals and plans include:

1. Building a permanent space station: China is currently building a space station, which is expected to be completed by 2022. The country plans to launch multiple missions to the space station over the next few years and aims to establish a permanent human presence in space.
2. Exploring the Moon: China has already sent several missions to the Moon, including the Chang’e-4 mission, which made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the Moon in 2019. China plans to continue its lunar exploration efforts, with the goal of eventually establishing a human presence on the Moon.
3. Mars exploration: China successfully landed its first Mars rover, Zhurong, on the surface of Mars in May 2021. China plans to continue its Mars exploration efforts, with the goal of eventually establishing a Mars base.
4. Space-based solar power: China is exploring the possibility of using space-based solar power to meet its growing energy needs. The country plans to launch a space-based solar power station by 2035, which would be capable of transmitting energy to Earth via microwaves or lasers.
5. Commercial space industry: China is also looking to develop a thriving commercial space industry, with plans to launch a range of space-related products and services, including satellite navigation, remote sensing, and space tourism.

Overall, China’s space program is set to become increasingly ambitious and diverse over the next 30 years, with the country aiming to establish a strong presence in space and to become a leader in space technology and exploration. With that said, I strongly suggest that USA abolish the Wolf Amendment, work with China to explore the Space together.