German Media: China's "Luanniao" Space Carrier - A Super Weapon or a Propaganda Campaign?

China is packaging a spacecraft carrier called "Luanniao" as a new type of super weapon. Experts analyze that this is less of a practical military plan before 2040 and more of a high-tech psychological warfare with political intentions.

The concept of this space carrier exceeds the scale of any current warship, even heavier than a super oil tanker. However, professionals generally view it as a politically motivated high-tech "show."

Reaching for the Stars: China's "South Heaven Gate"

China is advancing a comprehensive space-air defense system called "South Heaven Gate." Its core carrier is the "Luanniao" platform: 242 meters long, with a wingspan of 684 meters, and reportedly weighing up to 120,000 tons at takeoff. According to the concept, an unmanned space aircraft named "Xuannü" will take off from the carrier, launch hypersonic missiles, and strike targets in the atmosphere and orbit.

Juliana Süß, a space security expert at the German Foundation for Political Research (SWP), told DW: "In the space field, China has already firmly held the second position – behind the United States and significantly ahead of Europe." She pointed out that Beijing has invested massive funds in this area, and space strategic deployment has been given great attention and is seen as a key area to enhance China's military capabilities.

In terms of size, this envisioned space carrier is about 20% heavier than the largest current aircraft carriers. Although slightly shorter in length, its wingspan far exceeds traditional sea-based aircraft carriers. In comparison, the currently largest "Ford-class" (USS Gerald R. Ford) aircraft carrier is about 337 meters long and 78 meters wide; after accounting for fuel, personnel, and equipment, its full load displacement is approximately 100,000 tons.

The Chinese state media CCTV's military program "Jian" previously showed 3D simulation images of the carrier: the carrier soaring above the Earth, releasing aircraft, and carrying out space firepower strikes.

Technical Bottlenecks: Why Experts Are Deeply Skeptical

From a technical perspective, this concept far exceeds the current rocket's carrying capacity. Even if modular assembly could be achieved in orbit in the future, energy supply, power systems, cooling and heat dissipation, protection against space debris, and high costs remain insurmountable obstacles. For advanced systems like SpaceX's "Starship," a payload of 120,000 tons is completely beyond realistic capabilities.

German diplomat and space analyst Heinrich Kreft told DW that this plan is "completely a fantasy for now." However, he also pointed out that many science fiction concepts from several decades ago have now become reality, and China is joining the global space race inspired by visions from people like Musk or Bezos.

Using Aircraft Carrier Silhouettes for Deterrence

Some pro-American analysis reports also interpret "Luanniao" as a strategic signal rather than a specific construction blueprint. The U.S. magazine "The National Interest" titled: "Beijing wants you to believe it is building a flying aircraft carrier." By blurring the boundaries between science fiction and military reality, Beijing aims to cause anxiety among the West and divert its strategic resources.

Kreft believes that considering the current situation in the Taiwan Strait, Beijing's move is more likely a deterrent signal in the context of great power competition. He pointed out that China has a series of astonishing declarations about "super weapons," which are often assessed by Western experts as "unrealistic," but their intention to build a deterrent posture is clear.

Response to the U.S.: "Luanniao" in the Space Race

Süß analyzed from a security policy perspective that such projects aim to demonstrate strength and project power across dimensions. At the same time, she sees it as a response to the U.S. space missile defense plan: the Trump administration's "Golden Dome" aimed to build a global interception network. This itself is a technically and strategically challenging and highly sensitive project.

Süß emphasized that the key to effective deterrence lies in credibility. "How much credibility can such a grand and unconventional project like a space carrier really have remains questionable."

It is within this interplay of reality and illusion that "Luanniao" plays its role as a "super-deterrence background" – it has already had an effect on the political level before any physical components are built. Kreft called the project a "psychological warfare," but also reminded not to be complacent: China is continuously investing in various cutting-edge weapon systems, such as in the field of lasers, where Beijing's research and development progress seems to be leading.

Source: DW

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855393925842953/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.