Congressional Research Service, "China’s Space Program: Options for U.S.-China Cooperation," September 29, 2008

Summary
China has a determined, yet still modest, program of civilian space planned for the next decade. The potential for U.S.-China cooperation in space issue of interest to Congress — has become more controversial since the January Chinese anti-satellite test. The test reinforced concerns about Chinese intentions space and jeopardized space assets of more than two dozen countries by creating cloud of orbital space debris. Some argue that Chinese capabilities now threaten space assets in low earth orbit. Others stress the need to expand dialogue with China.

This report outlines recent activities and future plans in China’s civilian sector. It also discusses benefits and trade-offs of possible U.S.-China collaboration space, as well as several options to improve space relations, including information exchange, policy dialogue, and joint activities.

The full report can be found here.

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