03/11/2025
In 2025, China’s Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) unveiled a prototype autonomous space interceptor named Sky Fang (天刃) — an AI-guided craft capable of pursuing and neutralizing satellites or orbital threats independently.
Sky Fang uses plasma micro-thrusters for silent propulsion, allowing it to maneuver precisely without visible exhaust trails. Its onboard quantum gyroscopes and AI flight system maintain stable positioning even in GPS-denied environments.
During a closed trial in low orbit, Sky Fang reportedly performed a mock interception of a decommissioned communications satellite, approaching within 50 meters, analyzing its structure via LIDAR, and deploying a tether to deorbit it safely.
Unlike traditional kinetic interceptors, Sky Fang’s design emphasizes non-destructive neutralization — disabling targets through electromagnetic pulse bursts or orbital capture rather than explosions. Its AI mission core, named DragonMind, runs predictive orbital modeling and adapts strategy on its own, requiring minimal human oversight.
Experts suggest that Sky Fang marks the dawn of fully autonomous orbital defense systems — space machines that can think, chase, and engage without a human pilot.
Sources:
– CASIC Aerospace Report, Autonomous Interceptor Prototype Test Summary (2025)
– Journal of Orbital Mechanics, AI-Controlled Interception Dynamics (2025)
– Space Review Asia, China Demonstrates Autonomous Satellite Capture (2025)