China to Build Satellite Support Stations in Antarctica
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China, one of only three countries to launch a person into space, wants to build new facilities in Antarctica. Last week, Chinese state media reported that the new ground stations are to support the country’s space satellites that monitor the ocean.
China has been building more ground stations around the world as it continues to send more satellites into space. Some countries are worried that the ground stations and satellites might be used for spying, but China says that’s wrong.
A state-owned space company in Sweden used to work with China. The company provided ground stations that supported Chinese spacecraft, but ended the partnership in 2020 because of the geopolitical situation.
According to Chinese state media, China Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co. will build the new stations at the Chinese Zhongshan research base in Antarctica. There was not much information about the project, but an illustration showed four new ground stations.
The report also says that this project is part of China’s goal to improve its marine economy.
Argentina has become worried about a ground station built by China in Patagonia. China says that that station is also peaceful and only for supporting space missions.
Last year, the Chinese military sent a ship that monitors satellite launches to a port in Sri Lanka that was built by China. India, which is next to Sri Lanka, was worried that the Chinese ship was used for spying.
Vocabulary24 words
- Launch
- to shoot; to fire; to push; to throw; to send something into space or the sky
- Space
- the area outside of Earth
- Facility
- a place, building, or equipment used for a particular purpose or activity; depot; plant; center
- State media
- media controlled and/or owned by the government or the state
- Report
- to tell other people about something; to share information; announce; explain
- Ground station
- A facility/building on the ground used to communicate with, control, or receive data from a satellite
- Satellite
- a machine in space that flies around the world; a computer in space that sends information to Earth
- Monitor
- Observe and check over a period of time; to watch and look for changes; track
- Worry
- to be/feel concerned or nervous; to be troubled; to think a lot about a negative situation
- Spying
- The act/action of secretly collecting information about someone or something, especially for military or political reasons
- State owned
- a company or property that is owned and controlled by the government
- Provide
- to give or supply something that is needed or requested
- Spacecraft
- A vehicle designed/made for space travel, like a satellite or a spaceship
- Partnership
- to have an agreement to work together; to be partners
- Geopolitical
- relating to politics, especially international relations; the politics between different countries
- According to
- as ‘someone’ said; as stated by ‘someone’; in the opinion of ‘someone’
- Research base
- A place where people do research, usually a laboratory or a facility with equipment and resources for scientific study
- Illustration
- A picture, drawing, or design that is used as an example or explanation of something
- Goal
- aim or purpose; objective; target
- Marine economy
- The part of a country's economy that is related to the ocean or sea, including industries/businesses like fishing, shipping, and tourism
- Peaceful
- without violence; not connected to war or fighting
- Mission
- an expedition into space; an important job that a person is sent somewhere to do
- Military
- armed forces; army; agency or department of a government for combat/war
- Port
- A place where ships can park and load or unload goods and passengers
Discussion questions
- What do some countries think about China building ground stations around the world? In your opinion, why do the countries feel that way?
- What are your thoughts on the delicate balance between scientific research and environmental protection in Antarctica?
- In places with no government like Antarctica, the moon and space in general, who should be in charge of making rules? Can countries build or do whatever they want in those places?
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