The Creation of the PLA Strategic Support Force and Its Implications for Chinese Military Space Operations

This report explores the missions and organization of China’s military space enterprise, focusing on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Strategic Support Force (SSF), created in 2015 to develop and employ most of the PLA’s space capabilities. Its main function appears to be launch and operation of satellites to provide C4ISR capabilities critical to strategic deterrence, fighting informatized wars, and countering U.S. military intervention.