The United States and China are engaged in a new race, not just in space, but also on Earth, over a critical resource: time. Global positioning satellites, which serve as clocks in the sky, have become indispensable for various aspects of the global economy, from telecommunications to emergency services to financial exchanges.
However, these services are increasingly at risk as space becomes militarized and satellite signals are targeted for attacks. The United States, unlike China, lacks a backup plan for civilians in case these signals are disrupted in space or on land.
Recent events, such as Russia’s potential deployment of a nuclear weapon in space, have brought attention to the vulnerability of satellites. Major world powers, including Russia, China, India, and the United States, have tested antisatellite missiles and developed technology to disrupt signals in space.
While China is moving forward with plans to build the largest and most advanced timing system in the world, the United States is lagging behind. The U.S. government has yet to establish a reliable alternative source for time and navigation for civilian use if GPS signals are compromised.
Efforts to find solutions, such as launching new satellites or setting up fiber optic timing systems, have been slow to materialize. Private companies, like Satelles, have developed alternative sources for time, but widespread adoption could take years.
The consequences of not finding a solution could be dire. A world without satellite signals would face significant disruptions in various sectors, from transportation to telecommunications to emergency services. The reliance on satellite signals has become so ingrained that the loss of these signals could have severe economic impacts.
As the race for control over time intensifies, the United States must prioritize finding alternative solutions to ensure the resilience of its timing and navigation systems. Failure to do so could leave the country vulnerable to significant disruptions and economic losses.
