October 7, 2003

In another technological advance, China has successfully test-fired a four stage, solid fuel satellite launcher. This system can only put  220 pound (max) satellites in orbit, but it can do it in a hurry. This has considerable military value, as a wartime situation, with attacks on military satellites (mostly for reconnaissance and communications), requiring a fast reaction launch system to put up replacement satellites, and offensive satellites for knocking down enemy birds. This new Chinese system gives China a better offensive capability, since America is more dependant on satellite resources than any other nation. The new system can get a satellite into orbit with as little as 12 hours after the order is given. Solid fuel rockets are a technological challenge because large, solid fuel rockets are difficult to manufacture.