Chinese space junk collector could double as anti-satellite weapon

China sent an experiment satellite into space during the maiden flight of the Long March 7 rocket on Jun. 25. Aolong-1’s mission is classified as space junk collection, however, analysts say the satellite can easily be converted into an anti-satellite weapon.

But experts believe the task of collecting space junk won’t be easy as the robotic arm on board Aolong-1 will have to compensate for the object’s erratic movements.

Although China has accumulated experience in space rendezvous, these were done with spacecraft that were exchanging information in real time. Flying in close formation with an unresponsive space object will be challenging for Chinese space scientists.