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Smith, Steven A. Chinese Space Superiority? China's Military Space Capabilities and the Impact of their use in a Taiwan Conflict. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, February 17, 2006. [ 1 reference ]

Evidence Related to this Citation

China has Sufficient Tracking Ground Stations for Global Coverage

 

The fixed and mobile ground tracking stations in China can only communicate with spacecraft visible from the Chinese landmass. China achieves worldwide command and control capabilities using three methods: ships, Chinese facilities built in foreign countries and access to foreign tracking networks. China operates a fleet of four tracking ships, the Yuanwang 1, 2, 3 and 4 (“long view”). These ocean-going ships provide full TT&C capabilities, including the ability to detect and correct spacecraft problems; however, they are expensive and affected by poor weather and sea conditions. To counter these limitations, China has built three TT&C facilities in foreign countries: Namibia (near the city of Swakopmund), Kenya (near Malindi) and in Pakistan (near Karachi). Finally, China has signed agreements with the privately owned Swedish Space Corporation to have access to their TT&C facilities around the globe in such areas as Alaska, Hawaii, Sweden, Norway and Australia.

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Smith, Steven A. Chinese Space Superiority? China's Military Space Capabilities and the Impact of their use in a Taiwan Conflict. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, February 17, 2006. [ 1 reference ]

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