S8 Ep957: (16) Rick Fisher details the military nature of the Chinese space program, noting that the nation's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Fisher explains that China has utilized its space program for du
China's space program is not a civilian endeavor but a military operation from its inception, with all astronauts formally part of the People's Liberation Army's Astronaut Brigade—a fact that mirrors the dystopian vision of Robert Heinlein's 'Starship Troopers.' Rick Fisher of the International Assessment and Strategy Center reveals that while Beijing publicly insists space is for peaceful purposes, it has long pursued dual-use technologies that can be weaponized, from satellite destruction to lunar infrastructure. The 2007 anti-satellite test, which generated debris and drew no domestic criticism, underscores this contradiction. Despite China's denial of militarization, its strategic planning includes studying Western science fiction like Star Wars and Heinlein, suggesting a serious, not satirical, engagement with space warfare concepts. Meanwhile, the U.S. Space Force is still developing defensive capabilities, relying on dual-use systems—such as NASA's moon-crater impact mission—that could be repurposed in conflict. The Artemis Accords, now signed by one-third of Earth's nations, represent a fragile global consensus on peaceful lunar behavior, but Fisher warns that China's actions may force a militarization of space regardless of intent.
China's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army, making all astronauts military personnel.
China has conducted anti-satellite tests and continues to develop dual-use space technologies with potential military applications.
The Chinese regime denies space militarization despite evidence, maintaining a public narrative of peaceful space use.
Chinese military planners study Western science fiction, including Star Wars and Starship Troopers, as strategic inspiration, not satire.
NASA's moon missions, such as the 2009 lunar crater impact, have dual-use potential that could be repurposed for defense.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Irony of Starship Troopers in Real Life
John Batchelor opens with a reflection on the 1997 film 'Starship Troopers,' a satirical take on militarism, and questions whether China's space program is unintentionally embodying its dystopian vision.
China's Military Space Program from the Start
“The astronaut corps of China is called the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army. So all astronauts are members of the PLA.”
The Threshold of Space Militarization
“With one skirmish on the Taiwan Strait or, God forbid, Japan defend itself and sink some Chinese Coast Guard ships off the Senkakus, all of that could change instantly.”
China's Misreading of Western Science Fiction
The regime does not understand irony or satire in Western sci-fi, treating works like 'Starship Troopers' as literal blueprints rather than critiques of militarism.
Censorship and Controlled Science Fiction in China
While Chinese citizens consume sci-fi, the regime only permits content it approves—such as 'The Three-Body Problem'—which aligns with state narratives, not subversive ideas.
“The astronaut corps of China is called the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army. So all astronauts are members of the PLA.”
“But with one skirmish on the Taiwan Strait or, God forbid, Japan defend itself and sink some Chinese Coast Guard ships off the Senkakus, all of that could change instantly.”
“As Gordon indicates, the Chinese regime, the Communist Party, is simply incapable of handling contradiction. It has a line. China is for peace in space.”
Hosts
Guest
Rick Fisher
person
John Batchelor
person
Gordon Chang
person
People's Liberation Army
organization
Starship Troopers
media
Robert Heinlein
person
The Three-Body Problem
media
Artemis Accords
organization
NASA
organization
U.S. Space Force
organization
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