China builds ‘Starlink killer’ that can damage satellites with 60-second bursts
The space industry has been abuzz with the latest development from China, which has successfully built a high-power microwave weapon capable of damaging satellites in low Earth orbit. The device, dubbed the TPG1000Cs, has been developed by the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology and has the potential to take down billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites. Weighing a whopping five tonnes, the TPG1000Cs can deliver an impressive 20 GW of power for a minute, making it a formidable opponent in the realm of space warfare.
The TPG1000Cs is a compact driver designed to be used in conjunction with a high-power microwave weapon. The device is capable of delivering up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session, with each pulse lasting for a mere 60 seconds. This means that the TPG1000Cs can unleash a barrage of powerful energy bursts that can potentially cripple or destroy satellites in low Earth orbit. The implications of this technology are far-reaching, and it has significant implications for the future of space exploration and warfare.
The development of the TPG1000Cs is a significant milestone for China’s space program, which has been rapidly advancing in recent years. China has been investing heavily in its space program, with a focus on developing cutting-edge technologies that can give it an edge in the global space race. The TPG1000Cs is just one example of China’s efforts to develop advanced space-based capabilities, and it is likely that we will see more developments in this area in the coming years.
The potential impact of the TPG1000Cs on the Starlink satellite constellation is significant. Starlink is a network of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit that provide high-speed internet connectivity to users around the world. The constellation is owned and operated by SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk. With the TPG1000Cs, China has the potential to disrupt or even destroy the Starlink constellation, which could have significant implications for global communications and commerce.
The development of the TPG1000Cs also raises significant concerns about the militarization of space. The use of high-power microwave weapons in space has the potential to create a new era of space-based warfare, where countries can use advanced technologies to attack and destroy each other’s satellites. This has significant implications for global security and stability, and it is likely that we will see a new era of space-based arms racing in the coming years.
The TPG1000Cs is not the only example of China’s efforts to develop advanced space-based capabilities. China has also been investing heavily in the development of anti-satellite missiles, which can be used to destroy satellites in orbit. China has already demonstrated its ability to destroy satellites in orbit, with the successful test of an anti-satellite missile in 2007. The development of the TPG1000Cs is just one part of China’s broader efforts to develop a range of advanced space-based capabilities.
The implications of the TPG1000Cs are not limited to the military realm. The development of high-power microwave weapons also has significant implications for the future of space exploration. With the ability to deliver high-energy pulses, the TPG1000Cs could potentially be used to propel spacecraft or to power advanced propulsion systems. This could have significant implications for the future of space travel, and it is likely that we will see more developments in this area in the coming years.
In conclusion, the development of the TPG1000Cs is a significant milestone for China’s space program, and it has significant implications for the future of space warfare and exploration. The potential impact of the TPG1000Cs on the Starlink satellite constellation is significant, and it raises significant concerns about the militarization of space. As the world enters a new era of space-based warfare, it is likely that we will see more developments in this area in the coming years.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/china-builds-microwave-weapon-that-can-take-down-starlink-satellites/tldr