Shashi Tharoor-Benjamin Haddad Dialogue Signals Expanding India-France Bilateral Horizons Amid West Asia Turmoil

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor engaged in a productive meeting with Benjamin Haddad, France's Minister Delegate for European Affairs, in New Delhi on 13 March 2026.

The discussion highlighted the steadily deepening partnership between India and France, focusing on untapped potential in education, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.

Tharoor shared insights from the conversation via a post on X, describing it as an "engaging" exchange. He emphasised the broadening scope for collaboration, noting encouraging signs of a maturing relationship across multiple domains. This interaction underscores New Delhi's proactive diplomacy with Paris.

Haddad reciprocated positively, thanking Tharoor for the wide-ranging dialogue. He affirmed that France and India can forge an independent path in world affairs, reflecting shared strategic autonomy amid global uncertainties. Such sentiments align with longstanding bilateral commitments.

This meeting follows closely on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's conversation with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, earlier on Wednesday. Their talks centred on the volatile situation in West Asia, where tensions have surged dramatically.

A French Foreign Ministry statement detailed the Jaishankar-Barrot exchange, noting agreement to sustain dialogue. The leaders aim to collaborate on de-escalation, especially ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 16 March, which Jaishankar will attend to bolster EU-India ties, including a new Security and Defence Partnership.

The West Asia crisis escalated on 28 February following joint US-Israeli military operations that killed Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This audacious strike has ignited retaliatory actions, with Iran targeting Israeli and US assets across Gulf states.

As the conflict enters its 14th day, exchanges of fire persist unabated. Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil shipments, potentially disrupting energy supplies for India and other major importers.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced grave concern on Thursday via X. He warned that the unfolding crisis threatens global peace and security, citing immense civilian suffering and the urgent need for de-escalation.

Guterres urged all parties to halt hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians, and resume negotiations immediately. "De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," he stressed, positioning diplomacy as the sole viable path.

India's diplomatic engagements with France occur against this backdrop, blending bilateral warmth with multilateral crisis management. The timing reflects New Delhi's balancing act: nurturing strategic ties while addressing regional instability that impacts its energy security.

France, as a key EU player and P5 nation, brings nuclear expertise and defence prowess to the table. Past collaborations, such as Rafale jet deals and joint military exercises, exemplify the partnership's defence pillar, now extending to softer domains like education.

Cultural exchanges could amplify this momentum. Initiatives in student mobility, language programmes, and arts festivals might foster long-term goodwill, mirroring successful models like the Franco-Indian Alliance Française network.

People-to-people ties hold particular promise. With growing Indian diaspora in France and French expatriates in India, enhanced visa regimes and youth exchanges could drive innovation in technology and sustainability sectors.

Geopolitically, both nations prioritise multipolarity. Haddad's nod to an "independent path" echoes India's non-alignment and France's Gaullist traditions, offering a counterweight to US-dominated narratives in West Asia.

The Brussels FAC attendance by Jaishankar signals deepening EU-India security cooperation. The Security and Defence Partnership could encompass intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

For India, West Asia's volatility poses risks. As the world's third-largest oil importer, disruptions in the Gulf could spike prices, fuelling inflation and straining the economy amid post-pandemic recovery.

Iran's Hormuz threat amplifies these concerns. Closure of the strait, through which 20% of global oil flows, would hit Indian refineries hard, prompting diversification towards Russian and African sources.

France shares energy vulnerabilities as a net importer, despite its nuclear base. Joint advocacy for de-escalation aligns their interests, potentially yielding coordinated UN efforts or G20 interventions.

Tharoor's role, as a vocal parliamentarian and foreign affairs expert, bridges official and track-II diplomacy. His meetings often preview broader governmental agendas, influencing policy discourse.

Broader India-France ties span defence, space, and climate. Recent milestones include ISRO-CNES collaborations and green hydrogen pacts, with cultural diplomacy adding a humanising layer.

As West Asia simmers, these interactions reaffirm bilateral resilience. By expanding into education and culture, India and France cultivate ties resilient to geopolitical shocks, ensuring mutual prosperity.

The coming days, including Jaishankar's Brussels visit, will test this synergy. Success could model how middle powers navigate crises through dialogue and diversification.

ANI

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China Suffers Double Launch Setback: Long March 3B Fails Alongside Ceres-2 Debut

China endured a double setback in its space program on 16 January 2026, with back-to-back launch failures involving the veteran Long March-3B rocket (CZ-3B) and the debut flight of Galactic Energy's Ceres-2 solid-fuel launcher.

These incidents marked the loss of a classified Shijian-32 satellite and an undisclosed payload comprising around six satellites, occurring within roughly 12 hours of each other.

The first mishap unfolded at Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China. At 11:55 Eastern Time (1655 UTC), the Long March 3B roared skyward, adhering to pre-notified airspace closures. Amateur footage captured the lift-off, yet an ominous silence ensued from official channels.

Some 12 hours later, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the failure via WeChat, attributing it to a third-stage anomaly that doomed the Shijian-32 satellite. State media Xinhua noted that investigators are probing the exact cause, offering no further details on the mishap.

This represents the Long March 3B's first total failure since April 2020, when a third-stage issue claimed Indonesia's Palapa-N1/Nusantara-2 satellite. It also stands as the first outright Long March family loss in approximately 300 launches, following a partial failure in March 2024 on a Long March 2C mission with Yuanzheng-1S upper stage.

That earlier incident involved DRO-A and DRO-B lunar spacecraft, which CASC salvaged through intricate orbital adjustments to reach their destinations despite the anomaly. The hypergolic Long March 3B primarily serves geostationary transfer orbit missions, including communications, weather monitoring, remote sensing, and technology demonstrations.

The failure could ripple through China's launch manifest. It might delay deployments of TJS experimental satellites and Tianlian data relay spacecraft. Alternatives exist, such as the newer kerolox Long March 7A from Wenchang, though its hydrolox upper stage shares heritage with the 3B, potentially complicating schedules for both.

Shijian-32's mission remains shrouded in secrecy, aligning with the programme's experimental bent. Past Shijian satellites have tested orbital refuelling—Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 separated in geosynchronous orbit late 2025 after months docked—alongside new technologies and operational validations.

Less than 12 hours after the Long March debacle, Galactic Energy attempted the Ceres-2's maiden voyage from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Liftoff occurred at 11:08 p.m. Eastern (0408 UTC on 17 January), capping months of delays and scrubbed windows.

The company swiftly acknowledged the anomaly, confirming the mission's loss and apologising to partners. Around six satellites were aboard, including the innovative Lilac-3 ultra-flat disc from Harbin Institute of Technology and Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Ceres-2 promised 1,600 kg to 500 km low Earth orbit—quadrupling the 400 kg capacity of its smaller sibling, Ceres-1. The timing stung: Ceres-1 had just resumed flights successfully from a Shandong coastal barge the previous day, rebounding from a November 2025 failure.

Galactic Energy now faces headwinds in its expansion drive. The firm eyes the Pallas-1 liquid-propellant debut, targeting 8,000 kg to LEO, and has filed preliminary IPO paperwork alongside peers like Space Pioneer.

China's 2025 record gleamed with just two failures in 92 attempts, including new launcher successes. Yet January 2026 has already claimed two within days, mirroring India's PSLV-C62 loss earlier that week, which sacrificed 16 satellites—though Orbital Paradigm reported its KID reentry capsule survived.

These marked China's fifth and sixth launches of 2026, succeeding four prior successes: Long March 6A with Yaogan-50 (01) in a highly retrograde orbit; Long March 8A lofting the 18th Guowang batch; Long March 2C for Algeria's AlSat-3A; and Ceres-1's sea-launched Tianqi satellites.

Beijing anticipates surpassing 100 orbital launches this year, underscoring its relentless pace amid growing commercial and military ambitions. Dual failures highlight persistent engineering challenges, even for a programme dominating global launch rates.

Such anomalies underscore the high-stakes nature of spaceflight, where third-stage precision and solid-rocket reliability prove pivotal. For CASC and Galactic Energy, rapid failure analyses will be crucial to safeguard forthcoming missions and investor confidence.

These events invite scrutiny of China's space prowess relative to rivals like India, whose recent PSLV setback echoes shared vulnerabilities in ascent phases. As investigations unfold, the incidents may prompt refinements in indigenous solid and hypergolic technologies.

Space News Report

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India Launches Heaviest Satellite Ever, Intensifying Global Space Race

India's space agency, ISRO, has marked a ground breaking achievement by launching its heaviest satellite ever from Indian soil. On Wednesday, the LVM-3-M6 rocket successfully deployed the AST SpaceMobile communications satellite, weighing 6,100 kilograms (13,448 pounds), into low-Earth orbit.

This mission underscores India's rapidly advancing prowess in space technology and its emergence as a key player in the global satellite launch market.

The satellite, known as BlueBird Block-2 and owned by the American firm AST SpaceMobile, represents a significant payload for ISRO's reliable LVM-3 vehicle. A modified version of the rocket enabled this record-breaking lift, demonstrating enhanced capabilities for handling substantial masses. 

This success highlights ISRO's engineering ingenuity and its focus on cost-effective solutions that rival established space powers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as a "significant stride" for India's space sector. In a post on X, he described it as a "proud milestone in India’s space journey," emphasising the placement of the heaviest-ever satellite from Indian territory into its precise orbit. His words reflect national pride and signal India's ambitions in commercial space ventures.

A significant stride in India’s space sector…

The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey.

It strengthens… pic.twitter.com/AH6aJAyOhi

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2025

This feat bolsters India's position in the burgeoning commercial satellite industry. As demand surges for satellite-based mobile broadband and communication services, ISRO's proven track record positions it as an attractive launch partner. The AST SpaceMobile project, aimed at delivering connectivity via space, exemplifies the innovative missions India can now support.

ISRO's cost-efficiency has long been a cornerstone of its strategy, allowing it to offer affordable launch services without compromising reliability. This approach has drawn international clients, including from the United States, fostering strategic partnerships. The LVM-3-M6 mission further cements India's reputation as an "Eastern powerhouse" in space.

Looking ahead, this launch paves the way for more ambitious endeavours. ISRO is gearing up for uncrewed orbital missions and its inaugural human spaceflight, Gaganyaan, targeted for 2027. The ability to manage heavy payloads like BlueBird Block-2 is crucial for these next steps, building essential infrastructure.

Prime Minister Modi has also outlined bolder visions, including sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040. Such plans demand robust heavy-lift capabilities, which this mission validates. It signals a new era where India transitions from cost-conscious launcher to comprehensive space exploration leader.

ISRO excels globally through cost-effectiveness, delivering missions at under 10% of rivals' prices via indigenous tech and efficient engineering, ideal for commercial payloads. Its LVM-3 rocket's perfect success rate, proven by launches like BlueBird Block-2, builds trust through meticulous testing.

The global space race intensifies with each such milestone, and India's role grows ever more pivotal. By mastering heavy satellite deployments, ISRO not only enhances national security and communication networks but also contributes to worldwide connectivity goals. This launch is more than a technical triumph; it is a catalyst for India's space dominance.

Based On DW Report

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Chinese Space Agency CNES Completes First Emergency Mission To Tiangong Space Station

China successfully launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on 25 November 2025, using a Long March-2F rocket to send the spacecraft into its planned orbit.

The uncrewed Shenzhou-22 is set to dock with the Tiangong Space Station within hours, providing a critical rescue vehicle for three astronauts currently aboard the station who have been without a reliable return craft due to damage sustained by a previous spacecraft.

This launch forms part of China's strategy to maintain continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit by ensuring that the crew has a safe means of returning to Earth if necessary.​

The spacecraft is loaded with supplies, including food and equipment, in place of crew members, and it will serve as a lifeboat for the astronauts currently on Tiangong. The mission aims to maintain a seamless crew rotation and safeguard the ongoing operations and scientific experiments aboard the station.

Prior to this, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was found damaged in orbit, preventing it from safely returning the crew, which led to the deployment of this precautionary mission. The astronauts on Tiangong conduct cutting-edge scientific research, maintenance tasks, and support construction on the multi-module station, which functions as China’s permanent orbital outpost.​

The Tiangong Space Station supports a crew of three and hosts over a thousand scientific experiments in a pressurised environment, including those related to microgravity combustion, material endurance, space medicine, and microbial monitoring.

The astronauts perform health monitoring activities such as cardiac and vascular ultrasounds, neuromuscular stimulation to counteract muscle loss in space, and manage critical station equipment. The robotic arms aboard the station assist in assembly tasks and spacewalk operations, with spacewalk readiness and emergency procedures part of the crew’s rigorous training.​​

Footage of the launch showed the rocket ascending smoothly through clear desert skies, with mission control confirming each flight stage.

Shenzhou-22’s successful insertion into orbit and autonomous docking demonstrate the operational maturity of China’s spaceflight program and the effectiveness of their backup strategy, often referred to as a "one-for-one, rolling backup" approach, designed to handle emergencies swiftly.

This mission underscores China's expanding ambitions to operate a long-term human presence in orbit and to maintain a resilient human spaceflight infrastructure.​

Shenzhou-22 is a pivotal mission within China’s broader goal of sustained orbital presence and space station development. It ensures crew safety, supports continuous scientific experimentation, and exemplifies China's commitment to advancing its space capabilities in a strategic and resilient manner.​

Based On APT Report

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CSIR And ISRO Join Hands To Advance India’s Human Spaceflight Research

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will jointly organise the CSIR–ISRO Space Meet 2025 on 17th November 2025 at Hotel Radisson Blu Atria, Bangalore.

The event aims to strengthen cooperation between India’s premier scientific and space institutions in advancing human spaceflight research, microgravity studies, and space technology innovations that align with India’s vision for self-reliance in space exploration.

The meet will be organised under the leadership of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) & Director General, CSIR, and Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, ISRO. Around 150 to 200 delegates, including scientists, technologists, astronauts, and representatives from national and international organisations, are expected to participate.

Dignitaries such as the Consul General of France in Bangalore, officials from DRDO, ISRO, IISc, IAF, and experts from the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the French Space Agency (CNES) will also attend the event.

The CSIR–ISRO Space Meet 2025 will focus on integrating CSIR’s multidisciplinary research with ISRO’s mission-driven technological needs. The conference will cover key areas of collaboration such as human spaceflight physiology, biomedical instrumentation, materials science, life sciences in microgravity, and advanced systems for spacecraft maintenance and operation.

The discussions will also explore innovations in areas such as the growth of plants in space, development of space food, microfluidics, ceramic metamaterials, and microbial corrosion prevention.

The event will feature experience-sharing sessions by Indian astronauts, including Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd.), India’s first astronaut and Group Captain Prasanth B Nair, ISRO astronaut. A special video message from Jean-François Clervoy, European Space Agency astronaut and veteran of NASA’s Space Shuttle missions, will also be presented.

International experts from ESA, JAXA, CNES, and French research institutions will contribute to sessions on space physiology, bioengineering, and humanitarian applications of space-based technologies.

The National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR–NAL), Bangalore, is the nodal organising institute for the event. As India’s premier aerospace research establishment under CSIR, NAL has made significant contributions to the nation’s space and defence programmes.

Its expertise in aerodynamics, structural design, aerospace materials, and flight testing has supported ISRO and DRDO in developing indigenous technologies essential for mission success. NAL’s sustained efforts in creating lightweight composite materials, advanced airframe structures, and simulation systems continue to play a vital role in strengthening India’s capabilities in aerospace and space engineering.

Through this initiative, CSIR and ISRO seek to build stronger research linkages across scientific institutions and foster an ecosystem that promotes innovation in space medicine, human factors engineering, and translational technologies for societal benefit.

The deliberations during the meet are expected to chart a collaborative roadmap for future human spaceflight missions and identify new avenues for joint R&D in space science and technology.

CSIR–ISRO Space Meet 2025 represents a major step forward in advancing India’s scientific innovation, technological self-reliance, and international collaboration in space research. It also reflects the nation’s broader commitment to achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat @2047, where Indian science and technology continue to play a transformative role in global progress.

PIB Press Release

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China Sets 2026 Launch For Next-Generation Crewed Spacecraft 'Mengzhou-1'

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has confirmed that its next-generation crewed vehicle, the Mengzhou‑1, will conduct its maiden mission in 2026.

The new spacecraft marks a major advancement over the long-serving Shenzhou design, introducing a modular configuration with a separate return capsule and service module, optimised for deep-space readiness and orbital logistics.

Mengzhou‑1 will be launched aboard the Long March‑10A rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan. The mission aims to dock with the radial port of the space station’s core module, validating life‑support, guidance, control, and docking systems. Alongside system testing, Mengzhou‑1 will transport astronaut supplies, environmental monitoring instruments, and experimental payloads for science and technology demonstrations.

CMSA announced that two additional crewed missions—Shenzhou‑22 and Shenzhou‑23 will follow in 2026 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Each mission will carry three astronauts, continuing the crew rotation programme aboard the Chinese Space Station. Notably, a Shenzhou‑22 astronaut will undertake a year-long stay in orbit, marking China’s longest continuous human spaceflight mission to date.

The upcoming Shenzhou crews will engage in multiple operational and research roles, including extravehicular activities, managing payload transfers via the cargo airlock, advancing scientific and technology experiments, and conducting tasks essential for space station maintenance and system verification. They will also participate in public education and outreach sessions from orbit.

Complementing these missions, CMSA plans to launch the Tianzhou‑10 cargo spacecraft from Wenchang later in 2026. This robotic freighter will deliver consumables, spacesuits, spare components, and propellant required for station upkeep.

It will also carry research materials and laboratory instruments supporting applied microgravity investigations. Upon mission completion, Tianzhou‑10 will deorbit, safely disposing of accumulated station waste.

Together, these missions underscore China’s push toward sustained orbital presence and its evolving roadmap for human deep-space exploration, with the Mengzhou series positioned as a cornerstone for future lunar and interplanetary crewed ventures.

Based On SD Report

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China Test Manned Lunar Lander; Will Land Taikonauts On Moon By 2030

China has successfully completed a critical integrated landing and take-off test of its manned lunar lander, named Lanyue ("embrace the moon"), marking a major milestone in its ambitious plan to land astronauts on the moon by 2030.

The test evaluated the lander's performance under realistic lunar conditions, verifying key systems including guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), engine shutdown precision at touchdown, thermal management, and the compatibility of subsystems.

Conducted at a specialised extra-terrestrial landing test site in Hebei province, the test environment simulated lunar gravity and terrain with cratered fields and reflective coating mimicking lunar soil.

The Lanyue lander is a two-part spacecraft composed of a landing module and a propulsion module, capable of carrying two astronauts between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface. It also has the capacity to transport a lunar rover and scientific payloads.

Beyond transportation, Lanyue is designed to serve as a habitat, power source, and data hub for astronauts during their lunar stay, supporting life support and extended scientific exploration activities on the moon. The lander’s structure emphasises safety and comfort, featuring four landing legs with advanced cushioning for smooth landings, and engine redundancy to ensure safe ascent even if one engine fails.

This successful test is the first time China has simulated extraterrestrial landing and liftoff conditions with a manned spacecraft, a technical breakthrough for its crewed lunar exploration program. The test included complex operational scenarios and emergency simulations to verify astronaut safety and system reliability.

With this achievement, China moves confidently toward its goal of conducting a crewed lunar landing before 2030, aiming also to build an International Lunar Research Station by around 2035 in collaboration with Russia and international partners, enhancing sustainable human presence on the Moon.

The Lanyue test represents a crucial step forward for China’s space ambitions, reflecting sophisticated engineering, thorough validation of critical technologies, and strategic vision for crewed lunar exploration and international collaboration.

Agencies

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Pakistan Aims To Land Lunar Spacecraft By 2035 Through Strategic Chinese Partnership

Paksat-1R perched atop on a Chinese launch vehicle minutes before launch

Pakistan, despite having started its space research program nearly a decade earlier than India, is ambitiously preparing to land a spacecraft on the Moon by 2035.

This was stated by Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. The country’s space agency, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which historically has not launched any space missions independently and has relied significantly on Chinese support, has been tasked with the lunar mission.

Pakistan’s approach heavily involves collaboration with China, which has been crucial for its recent advancements in space technology.

For instance, Pakistan plans to contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover to China’s Chang’e-8 mission scheduled for 2028, aimed at exploring the Moon’s south pole. This rover will be used for scientific experiments, including terrain analysis and resource evaluation.

The mission will be led by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the country’s national space agency, which has not yet developed independent satellite launch capabilities and is heavily reliant on China for technical assistance.

As an initial step, Pakistan will provide a 35-kilogram lunar rover to participate in China’s Chang’e-8 mission scheduled for 2028, targeting the Moon’s south pole.

The rover will perform scientific experiments, terrain analysis, and resource evaluation there.

This announcement was made by Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, during a high-level visit to Beijing, where he met with senior Chinese officials, including Shan Zhongde, head of China’s Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency.

Iqbal emphasised the need for deepening strategic cooperation with China to address critical gaps in Pakistan’s space and nuclear technology sectors. He highlighted the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, which aims to revitalize Pakistan’s stagnant space science programs.

Recently, Pakistan launched three satellites in collaboration with China and plans to send its first astronaut to China’s space station by 2026, although the country still lacks an independent human spaceflight program.

SUPARCO, established in 1961 by Nobel laureate Dr. Abdus Salam, suffers from chronic underfunding with an annual budget of about $36 million, which is starkly lower than India’s space agency ISRO.

The leadership of SUPARCO, dominated by retired military officers in recent years, has also raised concerns regarding its scientific direction. Furthermore, Pakistan’s indigenous capacity for space technology development and education remains limited, as few universities offer specialized courses, constraining professional growth in the field.

In addition to space cooperation, Pakistan is seeking expanded collaboration with China in peaceful nuclear energy and advanced technologies like quantum computing, aiming to address urgent national challenges such as climate change, and resource security. Projects like the K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants exemplify this bilateral strategic partnership.

While Pakistan started its space programme almost a decade before India, India’s space agency has made more significant independent advances, including successful lunar missions (Chandrayaan) and Mars exploration, as well as scheduling its first crewed mission, Gaganyaan, for 2027.

Pakistan’s lunar mission by 2035 reflects its intent to bridge technological gaps with China’s help, but it remains heavily dependent on Chinese expertise and resources to achieve these space exploration goals amid domestic challenges including terrorism, infrastructure deficits, and economic instability.

Based On ANI Report

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China’s Military Surge In Space

China increasingly treats space as a pivotal domain for military competition, ranking it equally alongside land, sea, and air. Under the leadership of Chairman Xi Jinping, Beijing’s ambition is clear: to challenge and eventually overtake the United States as the dominant space power.

This strategic push manifests in massive scientific, civil, and military investment, aimed at building out a space infrastructure that serves both national pride and hard security interests.

China’s progression in space is both rapid and unequivocal. In the past year alone, China executed 68 launches, deploying 260 payloads into orbit. Of these, 67 were satellites with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, marking a significant military leap. Over the past decade, China’s on-orbit presence has soared by approximately 620%, rising from 185 satellites in 2015 to more than 1,060 by 2025. More than 510 of these serve ISR functions using advanced sensors, providing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with robust global surveillance and targeting abilities.

A case in point is the TJS-12 satellite, launched into geosynchronous orbit in December 2024. According to U.S. Space Force assessments, this asset enables the persistent monitoring of U.S. and allied forces throughout the Pacific—a capability that underscores the reach of China’s space-based architecture.

To rival global mega-constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, China is constructing its own G60 low Earth orbit (LEO) communications network. By early 2025, 72 G60 satellites were already in place, with plans for 648 by year-end and 14,000 by 2030.

The China Satellite Network Group is also developing a separate network, aiming for 13,000 satellites. This exponential expansion is partly motivated by a desire to counter perceived U.S. military technological advantages, especially after observing how Starlink was used in conflict zones.

China’s commitment to space as a domain of war is institutionalised in its military reforms. Originally, all space operations fell under the PLA Strategic Support Force, but this entity was replaced in April 2024 by the Aerospace Force, which now reports directly to the powerful Central Military Commission. 

This service manages military space assets centrally—streamlining ISR, targeting, communications, and space denial operations across seven specialised bases, each with unique operational focuses ranging from maritime tracking to missile early warning and R&D.

The Aerospace Force reflects the PLA’s understanding that control of space is vital for modern warfare. Its structure ensures rapid, centralised deployment of space assets, aligning with other digital warfare arms such as the Cyberspace Force and Information Support Force. This unity enables expedited targeting cycles, comprehensive intelligence gathering, and cohesive attack planning, strengthening China’s readiness for varied conflict scenarios (including any prospective Taiwan crisis).

Chinese doctrine now views space as the “commanding heights” of future warfare. Space intelligence, attack capabilities, and counter-space operations—including the shadowing of foreign satellites and the deployment of dual-use inspector satellites—are all integrated under a unified command, eradicating service rivalries and maximising operational effectiveness.

Counter-Space—Going Beyond Surveillance

China’s space pursuits extend beyond ISR and communications. It actively seeks the ability to degrade or deny adversaries access to space. These ambitions are supported by a broad range of counter-space systems:

Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapons: Since its 2007 demonstration of a kinetic-kill ASAT weapon, China has operationalised ground-launched ASAT missiles. Reports indicate current and future capabilities to target not just LEO, but also the distant geosynchronous orbits (GEO) where many strategic satellites reside.

Co-orbital Systems And Spaceplanes: Recent tests showcased highly manoeuvrable satellites and reusable spaceplanes. These assets can “dogfight” in space—approaching, inspecting, nudging, or disabling adversary satellites. The Shijian-21 satellite's relocation of a defunct BeiDou navigation satellite is a public demonstration of these capabilities.

Directed-Energy And Electronic Warfare: China has established ground-based laser systems able to dazzle or damage satellite sensors and is working towards more powerful variants capable of structural damage. The PLA regularly trains with jammers targeting space-based navigation, communications, and radar assets.

Responsive Launch: Vertical take-off and reusable rocket tests suggest that China is developing rapid-launch capabilities to quickly replace lost satellites or bolster its constellation in times of conflict.

Despite these strengths, China still faces challenges. Its space situational awareness network is less globally distributed than that of the United States, limiting its real-time tracking of worldwide space activity. Nevertheless, China compensates with around ten space-based sensors and continues to innovate in satellite maneuverability and anti-satellite techniques.

Chinese official statements often obscure the dual-use or military purposes of many satellites, but the increasing sophistication and scale of activities leave little doubt about strategic intent. In Chinese military thought, space dominance equates to military initiative; “whoever controls space controls the initiative in war.”

China’s expansive militarisation of space marks a transformative shift in military power, doctrine, and international competition. Its rapidly growing constellation of satellites, cutting-edge counter-space weaponry, and centralised military command reflect a coordinated effort to both use and deny space in any future conflict. This development escalates the risks of space confrontation, making the domain a central theatre of major power rivalry in the years ahead.

Based On ANI Report

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ISRO Losing To China In Rocket Race? Sea Landings And Cargo Plans Raise Alarm

India’s position in the global rocket and commercial launch race is under growing scrutiny as China accelerates the development and deployment of reusable rocket technologies, particularly with successful sea and land-based recoveries.

Chinese companies have already moved beyond theoretical demonstrations, raising funds and making strategic promises around ultra-fast logistics using these reusable systems.

In contrast, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is still several years away from operationalising its own Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) with Vertical Take-Off Vertical Landing (VTVL) capabilities.

While ISRO has made progress—such as successful landing trials of its Pushpak spaceplane—the winged design of Pushpak does not align with the VTVL systems that are now dominating the global market.

The NGLV, which aims to introduce VTVL capabilities and partial reusability (with the first stage designed for 15–20 reuses), is still in the design and testing phase. Official approval for the NGLV came in late 2024, with an anticipated development timeline of about eight years, projecting operational status only by 2032–2035. This timeline places India significantly behind both China and the United States, where operational reusable rockets are already a reality.

The commercial consequences of this technological lag are significant. Indian space-tech start-ups such as Pixxel, Digantara, and XDLINX have increasingly opted to launch their satellites with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, attracted by its cost-efficient, frequent rideshare launches—a service the Indian launch ecosystem currently cannot match.

This shift is not just a matter of national pride but impacts the entire Indian space industry’s ability to capture and retain commercial satellite business, which is crucial for long-term growth and innovation.

ISRO’s NGLV project is ambitious, featuring advanced navigation, steerable grid fins, deployable landing legs, and semi-cryogenic propulsion. However, these technologies are still being validated on smaller test vehicles, and full-scale implementation remains years away.

Meanwhile, China’s rapid demonstration and commercialization of reusable rockets—especially with sea landings—give it a clear edge in both technology and market readiness.

Jayant Mundhra, a prominent commentator on the sector, underscores that speed is now the defining metric in the space launch race. While India is not lacking in technical capability or ambition, the global competitive landscape is being reshaped by those who can execute and commercialize faster. As a result, China and the US are not only advancing technologically but are also attracting the very start-ups and commercial customers that might once have relied on Indian launch vehicles.

Unless ISRO can accelerate its development and deployment of reusable launch technology, and unless India’s commercial launch sector can offer more competitive pricing and frequency, the country risks falling further behind in the global space race—both technologically and commercially. The challenge is not just to innovate, but to do so quickly enough to retain relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Based On Business Today Report

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China Marked Significant Achievement In Space Tech With The Launch of ‘In-Orbit Refueling’ And ‘Satellite Life-Extension’ Services

China has successfully launched its first space mission of 2025, deploying the Shijian-25 satellite into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) aboard a Long March 3B rocket. This mission took place on January 6, 2025, at 4:00 AM local time from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province, marking a significant milestone as the first orbital launch of the year and the 555th flight of the Long March rocket series.

The Shijian-25 satellite is designed to test advanced technologies for on-orbit refuelling and satellite life-extension services. These capabilities are crucial for enhancing the operational lifespan of satellites already in orbit, potentially reducing costs and minimizing space debris. The satellite was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

This launch not only demonstrates China's growing expertise in space technology but also reflects its commitment to sustainable space operations. By enabling satellites to be serviced in orbit, such as through fuel replenishment, China aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its space missions. The implications of this technology extend beyond civilian applications, as it could also serve military purposes, raising concerns among other space-faring nations about potential dual-use capabilities.

The successful launch of Shijian-25 sets a strong precedent for China's future space endeavours in 2025, which may include additional crewed missions and further advancements in satellite technology.

China News

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CZ-10 Carrier Rocket Completes Fairing Separation Test, One Step Closer To 2030 Goal of Manned Lunar Landing

China's ambition to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030 is advancing with the successful completion of a fairing separation test for its Long March-10 carrier rocket. This test is a crucial milestone in the rocket's prototype development, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV) on November 20, 2024. The Long March-10 is designed specifically for crewed lunar missions, and this recent achievement underscores China's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in space exploration.

In addition to this development, CCTV has been a key player in disseminating information about China's space program, which has seen significant advancements in recent years, including successful Mars missions and plans for a permanent space station. The completion of the fairing separation test is an integral part of the preparations for future lunar landings, showcasing China's growing prowess in space technology and exploration efforts.

The successful separation test is a significant milestone as it validates key design aspects and operational capabilities that will be crucial for future missions, including manned lunar landings targeted for 2030. The results will inform subsequent tests and enhance the overall reliability of the rocket system.

The Long March-10 is part of a broader family of launch vehicles being developed by China, with ongoing construction at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre. This initiative is aligned with China's ambitious space exploration goals, including crewed lunar missions and potential Mars exploration in the future.

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China Launches New Series of Remote-Sensing Satellites

China has successfully launched a new group of remote-sensing satellites, known as PIESAT-2, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. The launch occurred on November 9, 2024, at 11:39 AM Beijing Time, utilizing a Long March-2C carrier rocket. All four satellites entered their planned orbits successfully and are set to provide commercial remote-sensing data services.

They will mainly provide commercial remote-sensing data services.

The PIESAT-2 satellites aim to enhance China's capabilities in Earth observation, supporting various applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, disaster response, and agricultural management.

This launch marks the 544th flight mission of the Long March rocket series.

In March 2023, China launched PIESAT-1 (or Hongtu-1), which was notable for its unique wheel-like formation of four satellites, representing a significant advancement in remote-sensing technology.

Applications of The PIESAT-2 Satellites

The PIESAT-2 satellites are equipped to gather high-resolution data that can be used across multiple sectors. Their deployment is expected to improve imaging frequency and detail, facilitating more accurate and timely information for both commercial and governmental purposes.

This launch reflects China's commitment to expanding its capabilities in space technology and Earth observation, contributing to global scientific efforts and enhancing its commercial satellite services.

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China Joins India And US In Race To Venus, Plans Sample Return Mission: Report

Artist conception of China's Human Lunar Landing Mission

China has officially joined the competitive race to explore Venus, unveiling plans for a Venus atmospheric sample return mission as part of its long-term space science strategy. This initiative is detailed in the recently announced National Space Science Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan (2024–2050), which outlines China's ambitious goals to enhance its capabilities in space exploration and scientific research, aiming for global leadership by 2050.

The roadmap, released on October 15, 2024, by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the China National Space Administration (CNSA), and the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO), includes a variety of missions spread across three distinct phases:

Phase-1 (2024–2027): Focuses on known missions, including crewed lunar landings and operations of the Tiangong space station.

Phase-2 (2028–2035): This phase is particularly notable for the planned Venus atmospheric sample return mission, which aims to collect and return samples from Venus' atmosphere to Earth. The mission architecture may involve a spacecraft descending into the atmosphere, inflating a balloon to capture samples, and then returning them via an ascent vehicle to rendezvous with an orbiter.

Phase-3 (2036–2050): Targets further advancements in space science with multiple large-scale missions and aims to solidify China's status as a leader in space exploration.

The proposed mission to Venus is significant not only for its scientific potential but also for its implications in astrobiology. Recent studies have suggested that Venus' atmosphere may contain phosphine, a potential biomarker associated with life. The mission is expected to focus on understanding Venus' habitability and could provide insights into planetary environments that diverge from Earth's.

This initiative places China alongside other nations, notably India and the United States, which are also pursuing missions to Venus. India has approved its own Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) slated for launch in March 2028, while NASA is planning its VERITAS mission aimed at mapping Venus's surface and studying its geological history.

China's commitment to a Venus atmospheric sample return mission reflects its broader aspirations in space exploration and scientific research. By setting ambitious goals within this roadmap, China aims not only to fill gaps in its current capabilities but also to position itself as a formidable competitor on the global stage of space exploration.

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We Are Sharing State-Of-The-Art Expertise With ISRO For Gaganyaan Mission: French Space Agency Chief

Philippe Baptiste, Chairman and CEO of Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)

Philippe Baptiste, President of the French Space Agency, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), who is in India to participate in the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024, spoke to The Hindu on the sidelines of the event on a wide range of topics from celebrating 60 years of French-India space cooperation to the Gaganyaan and the TRISHNA missions.

Q. India and France have had a partnership of over six decades in space. How do you see this collaboration evolving?

A. It (India-France collaboration) is not only a great success of the past but an ongoing one. It started with our launchers, where we had a strong cooperation many decades ago. Then we also had a partnership in engines and Earth Observation and so on. It is an ongoing cooperation. We have many projects coming very soon for launching satellites in the domain of space exploration, and there is a lot of discussion in the areas of defence and security, especially in Space Situational Awareness.

Q. Any update on the Indo-French Thermal Infrared Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment (TRISHNA) mission? When will it be launched?

A. TRISHNA, which is our next project together, is a very highly visible project. It is an infrared satellite project. It will greatly help to get information on climate, agriculture, drought forecasting and urban heat island monitoring. The project is going very well. We expect to launch the satellite in 2026.

Q. India and France in 2021 had signed an agreement for cooperation for the Gaganyaan mission. Could you please elaborate on the areas in which CNES is helping ISRO and how is it progressing?

A. We do have a bit of expertise in this area (human spaceflight) as we have been sending astronauts to space for several decades. With regard to the Gaganyaan program, we are sharing knowledge, especially on space medicine, to understand the physiology of astronauts, to train them and so on. People from both India and France are going back and forth from Bangalore and Toulouse sharing knowledge and expertise. We are sharing the latest state-of-the-art expertise with ISRO.

Q. India has lined up ambitious missions like the Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 which aim at bringing back samples from the moon. Is France keen to be part of this?

A. We are looking forward to these missions. We are very impressed by what you are doing in India, especially in lunar exploration. There is a lot of ambition and a lot of energy. We are looking forward to seeing close cooperation in these areas.

(With Reporting By The Hindu)

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