BEIJING: Chinese aerospace researchers have warned that future conflicts could extend beyond Earth’s orbit into the space between Earth and the Moon, known as cislunar space.
A study published in the Journal of Command and Control explores possible scenarios in which rival spacecraft could pursue or evade one another, bypass defensive systems and attempt to block strategically important space routes.
Researchers said spacecraft could exploit the complex gravitational environment around the Moon to remain in positions that allow them to rapidly move against targets near Earth.
The study also identified potential “chokepoints” where important or fuel-efficient space routes come close to one another. Establishing a presence at such locations could allow a country to disrupt an adversary’s trajectory, force it to change course or delay a mission without engaging in direct combat.
Unlike low Earth orbit, cislunar space contains more complex flight paths because spacecraft are influenced by the gravitational forces of both Earth and the Moon.
According to the researchers, the strategic importance of the region may eventually go beyond controlling individual spacecraft or specific routes, with broader access to and control of space becoming a major strategic concern.
Lead researcher Deng Xiaohui said cislunar space could potentially be used as a barrier or strategic obstacle against adversaries.
The research was conducted by a team from Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, China.
