Silent Space War Between China and Western World

From the moment it was lifted off, each and every move of Shenzhou IV, a Chinese spaceship, was scrutinized by the Untied States through its satellites, radar center and space agency. Other countries were on pins and needles, too. Russia mobilized some 20 of its space control centers, while France used its satellite control center in Guinea.

By its return back to the base at 6:27 p.m. yesterday after orbiting the earth 108 times, there was waged a fierce spy war between China and western countries. Western countries racked their brains to decipher the electronic codes transmitted between the spaceship and the Chinese authorities. On the other hand, China pitched in its best not to reveal any information. It was a silent space war.

Decoding the electronic transmissions enables other countries to know all about a spacecraft: its exact orbit, position, weight, life span, interior and conditions, and equipment onboard. Moreover, in times of war, it is possible to shut down the spacecraft by jamming.

The Chinese spaceship conducted an experiment in the space, which could nullify the Missile Defense System of the United States, thus shocking the whole Western society. Furthermore, once moving into the orbit, via remote control system, Shenzhou IV turned itself upside down, using its own propulsion, and temporarily moved out of the orbit.

The technology used by China this time is one of the cutting-edge technologies that could nullify the United States` space intercept ability, a plan consummating the final stage of the Missile Defense System. Especially, the Chinese spacecraft can deploy decoys into the space to confuse the enemies and hide its position. Once China loads weapons onto the ship, it could attack its enemies` satellites. Therefore, China will emerge as one of the strongest space superpowers in the near future.

A subsidiary newspaper of China`s People`s Daily ran an article telling all the stories about the spaceship, and said proudly, "China will no longer have to watch other countries` satellites flying over its head. We are not an underdog anymore. We can beat them now."

Yoo-Sung Hwang yshwang@donga.com