Farbod Andishmand – Technology Expert

In the last decade, the China-U.S. competition in space has become one of the main axes of power rivalry, but it has gone beyond mere military aspects and now encompasses communications, navigation, and information infrastructure.

In the meantime, how can developing countries such as Iran utilize dual-use space technologies, especially in communications and navigation, within the framework of cooperation with China and Russia, to both meet their civilian needs and strengthen their defense capabilities?

Space development in civilian fields, especially communications and navigation, can be an effective tool for enhancing countries’ defensive power and independence in a multipolar order.

The Prospect of China-U.S. Space Competition

The space competition between China and the United States has intensified in recent years, helping redefine geopolitical structures in Earth’s orbit. Reports published by Trivium China indicate that massive satellite network projects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), developed within the framework of “Constellation” in competition with American projects, primarily focus on communication capacity and information infrastructure.

These networks are capable of providing widespread high-speed internet, precise positioning, and global data services, and playing a key role in the future of the digital economy.

On the other hand, MeriX, in a report on China’s space internet, notes that Beijing is trying, by utilizing satellite networks, not only to provide communication coverage for remote points within the country but also to become an effective player in international arenas; a network capable of providing public internet services and can replace or complement terrestrial networks.

Although these developments are not purely military, due to the technology’s dual-use nature, they can support defense applications such as secure tactical communications and precise positioning.

The Role of Communication and Navigation Technologies in Civilian Defense Capability

One of the important achievements of space development is the capacity for widespread satellite communications. New-generation satellite networks not only provide high bandwidth but also enable secure communication and resilience against disruptions to terrestrial networks.

These features are important for civilian applications, such as developing remote areas, improving emergency services, and creating sustainable communication infrastructure, but they are also exploitable in the defense context. Secure satellite communications can act as a backup communication channel for defense forces and crisis management in times of crisis or disruption of ground communication.

In the field of navigation, global satellite positioning systems like the American GPS and similar systems in China and Russia play a vital role in civilian and defense operations. The ability to access multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) can increase the accuracy of positioning, navigation, and timing, a capability important in telecommunications, transportation, logistics, and crisis management.

Achieving this data can help increase the operational independence of countries under Western sanctions when facing external pressures.

Opportunities for Cooperation with China and Russia in Space

The core of the opportunity for developing countries in the China-U.S. space competition lies in cooperating with both powers to reduce reliance on the Western space system. In an RSIS report on China-Russia engagement in the Arctic, the increasing participation of these two countries in space projects is mentioned. This type of cooperation can provide a similar model of space cooperation for countries like Iran.

China is developing its satellite networks, which, with Iran’s participation, could not only provide communication services at the regional level but also lead to the creation of communication capacities independent of Western structures. Also, cooperation in the exchange of navigation data could improve access to various international positioning systems and free Iran from complete dependence on a single system.

Russia, with its long experience in the fields of space and navigation, can also be another partner in developing joint space programs. Numerous reports indicate that Moscow, while maintaining cooperation with Beijing, seeks to strengthen its space capabilities for civilian applications, including communications, environmental monitoring, and crisis management. Iran can strengthen its space infrastructure by utilizing this cooperation capacity.

Risk Management and Legal Frameworks

International space cooperation, while providing significant strategic opportunities, also carries legal and security risks. Dual-use space technologies can be misused in military or espionage contexts, with consequences that may extend to the international level.

In such an environment, developing clear legal frameworks for the use of space data, information sharing, and management of common interests is essential.

An operational approach is to benefit from the experiences of countries that have previously developed regional or multilateral frameworks for space cooperation. These frameworks should prioritize transparency, data security, and guarantees for the peaceful use of space to prevent potential misunderstandings and tensions.

The China-U.S. space competition is not merely about weapons competition or launching military satellites; it has become an arena where key dual-use technologies, especially communications and navigation, play a pivotal role in the future of the economy, security, and crisis management. Exploiting this trend for developing countries requires a strategic, operational, and multilateral approach.

Cooperation with China and Russia in space fields can provide countries with civilian tools possessing defense potential and help strengthen technological independence and increase resilience against external pressures. Utilizing satellite communication networks, enhancing access to multiple navigation systems, and participating in joint space projects are among the practical solutions on this path.

Ultimately, the China-U.S. competition in space should be viewed not merely as a conflict between great powers but also as an opportunity to develop civilian defense capabilities and strengthen national capacities. This approach can help developing countries play a more active and independent role in the emerging multipolar order.

This text was translated using artificial intelligence and may contain errors. If you notice a clear error that makes the text incomprehensible, please inform the website editors.