Recently, the advancement of China’s DeepSeek artificial intelligence (AI) technology has not only led to a serious drop in the stock prices of American AI companies, but also attracted the attention of American national security experts. This development has shown that China’s advanced technologies pose a threat to both American economic and security interests.
Space Technologies and Security Threats
Beyond advances in artificial intelligence, the rapidly developing capabilities of China and Russia, especially in the space industry, have been a major concern for American security. At a time when space technology is critical, these countries are not only focusing on their own advancements, but also aiming to steal knowledge from American space technologies. This further emphasizes the need to protect American space infrastructure and technology.
Private companies have become major players in the American space industry, undertaking critical missions for NASA and the Pentagon, while China and Russia’s increasing cyberattacks on these companies are jeopardizing the security of these missions. For example, in 2023, the US Air Force, FBI, and National Counterintelligence and Security Center detected Chinese and Russian space agencies trying to steal technology from companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Threats and Security Measures Against American Space Companies
America has entered a period where not only are we making technological advances in space, but these technologies are critical to national security. The Air Force says security protocols need to be tightened to ensure the safety of SpaceX and other private space companies.
The revelation of SpaceX's meetings with Russia in particular shows that this company carries a great responsibility for national security. Such statements require greater federal oversight of not only SpaceX, but all private space companies. In order to protect America's space technologies, private companies must cut all possible ties with China and Russia.
The Role of the Pentagon and NASA
The Pentagon and NASA should not underestimate these threats. As the space race rapidly intensifies, these two agencies have a responsibility to both protect their technologies and prepare for threats from global competitors. In this context, NASA and the Pentagon should impose stricter federal review standards and security requirements. The obligations of companies to protect technologies critical to national security will also force the private sector to be more vigilant.
If America wants to maintain its leadership in space, it must not only advance technology, but also take the necessary measures to ensure the security of those technologies. Allowing China and Russia to have space superiority would pose a major threat to the security of the United States and its allies. Therefore, it is vital to America's national security that the Pentagon and NASA take security measures to deal with this issue.
