US, China, Russia vie for space surveillance

The United States, China, and now Russia are actively deploying and developing advanced satellites for surveillance and reconnaissance in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). These nations are using "inspector" satellites to monitor each other's activities, observe spacecraft maneuvers, and potentially assess capabilities. The US has operated its Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites for years, with China joining in 2018. Russia has recently entered this arena with its Kosmos 2589 satellite, which is being closely monitored by a US GSSAP spacecraft. This escalating competition highlights a growing focus on space-based intelligence gathering and situational awareness.