China and Brazil create joint space laboratory, despite US pressure

WHAT IS IT FOR?

CETC said on Tuesday the joint laboratory would support frontier research for astronomical observation and deep-space exploration.

The laboratory initiative comes as China and Brazil make progress on the BINGO radio telescope, designed to help study the universe’s structure and dark energy.

In June, CETC said the main structure of the telescope had been completed at a manufacturing site in China and shipped from the port of Tianjin to Brazil. The instrument, billed as South America’s largest radio telescope, is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Beyond research, BINGO will also be capable of tracking satellites, meteoroids and other small bodies, CETC said, adding that the system could help identify potential threats from near-Earth objects.

Powerful telescopes are used for space situational awareness. They could predict when US military satellites pass overhead and help coordinate the use of anti-satellite weapons (ASAT), according to a 2022 report by the US Defence Intelligence Agency. 

Beijing has used China’s rapidly improving space capabilities over the past two decades as a diplomatic tool to increase its influence in Asia, Africa, and South America, installing telescopes, building satellites, and training foreign personnel.