China’s Space Program and Its Implications for the United States

China became a serious member of the spacefaring community in 1985 and in response, the U.S. developed agreements to limit the economic impact on U.S. space programs and to control the spread of related technology. China charges less for a space launch than a U.S. firm does and so an economic threat to the livelihood of U.S. space industries exists. The precarious U.S. launch industry is already challenged by Arianespace. The U.S. is also concerned about transferring technology to China from U.S. satellite manufacturers. The technology involved in mating satellites to boosters, measuring stress on the satellite at launch, and the development of apogee kick motors is all transferable to missile technology and may aid China in its intercontinental ballistic missile programs. Not only has China been improving its own programs, it has also sold missiles and technologies to other countries such as Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and India. To foster the growing relationship between China and the U.S., clear policies and agreements are needed that match our national security interests with economic reality.

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