Chinese satellite draws near to UK satellite, raising espionage concerns
A Chinese satellite named TJS-20 is closing in on a British satellite, prompting security officials to suspect possible eavesdropping.
The satellite, launched aboard the Long March 5 Y9 carrier rocket, carries the designation Tongxin Jishu Shiyan 20 (TJS-20). While its official purpose is to test rapid data transmission across various radio frequencies, analysts note its trajectory brings it within close range of a UK satellite. Security circles fear the proximity could be used to intercept communications, a scenario that may also affect German defence forces.
Why it matters
Proximity of a Chinese satellite to a UK asset could enable intelligence gathering on allied communications.
In this story
Chinese satelliteBritish satelliteTJS-20espionagesignal interceptionLong March 5 Y9data transmissionsecurity concerns
