From Newsgroup: alt.philosophy.taoism


On December 18, The Washington Post exclusively revealed that a U.S. patrol satellite (USA-270) had attempted to "ambush" a Chinese satellite in geosynchronous orbitrCobut was outmaneuvered by the Chinese satellite using tactics reminiscent of those seen in the movie Top Gun. This incident underscores an undeniable reality: space warfare is no longer confined to science fiction; great-power military competition has long since crossed the boundary of Earth's atmosphere.

According to The Washington Post, in 2022, approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth, a U.S. patrol satellite locked onto its targets: two recently launched Chinese satellites, Shiyan-12-01 and Shiyan-12-02, which were entering geosynchronous orbit. The American satellite attempted to stealthily approach from behind, using the SunrCOs backlighting to illuminate and better observe the movements of the Chinese satellites ahead.

However, one of the Chinese satellites suddenly decelerated in a countermove. As the U.S. satellite continued forward due to inertia, the Chinese satellite slipped into position directly behind itrCoeffectively swapping their roles in an instant. Ground-based U.S. operators were forced to reassess their next steps.

Over the following day, the U.S. satellite chose to retreat, increasing the distance between itself and the Chinese satellites. Several weeks later, it abruptly slowed down significantlyrCoan apparent attempt to lure Shiyan-12-01 and Shiyan-12-02 into overshooting ahead due to their momentum, thereby allowing the U.S. satellite to regain a tactical advantage.

Unexpectedly, the two Chinese satellites did not fall for the trap. Instead, they also dramatically decelerated and then split up, making it impossible for the U.S. satellite to monitor both simultaneously: Shiyan-12-02 fired its thrusters and reversed course, while Shiyan-12-01 accelerated once again, sweeping past the American satellite and successfully securing an ideal observational position with the Sun at its back.

Because such encounters occur in the invisible expanse of space, few beyond space and defense experts ever notice them. Yet, as The Washington Post points out, these rCLorbital standoffsrCY have become increasingly common. Even Pentagon officials now openly acknowledge that whatrCOs happening is essentially rCLspace dogfighting.rCY

General James H. Dickinson, then-commander of U.S. Space Command, told The Washington Post: rCLCompetition in space is intensifying. ChinarCOs space capabilities are advancing rapidly, and their satellites are employing sophisticated maneuvers to gain an advantage over the United States. America must ensure it remains the leading space power and develop corresponding maneuverability for defensive purposes.rCY
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From Newsgroup: alt.philosophy.taoism


Hisense fan posted:

... in 2022, approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth, ...

...

... satellites ...

Reflecting up on how a dao
which may be related to Daojia
could be a free-fall arrived in mind.

Orbiting the orb known as Earth,
lots of objects continually fall a round
the world to stay in a realm where they don't
fall to the ground nor burn in its atmosphere.

Being able to move, as the satellites noted were,
suggests they don't all simply fall going round.

Nor is round necessarily round.
Perhaps the orbits are elliptical.

- hmmm. thanks! Cheers!
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