China is expected to launch its own space station into low-earth orbit by 2024, American intelligence officials assess, part of an effort to surpass the United States as the preeminent space power.

“There’s just no question, as a general matter, that China is focused on achieving leadership in space, in effect, as compared to the United States,” Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told a Senate oversight panel on Wednesday before urging further decision during a closed session.