China builds ‘Starlink killer’ that can damage satellites with 60-second bursts
In a development that has significant implications for the global space industry, China’s Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology has developed a compact driver for a high-power microwave weapon that can damage satellites operating in low Earth orbit. The technology, known as the TPG1000C, is specifically designed to target and disable satellites, including those operated by billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation. According to reports, the device can deliver up to 20 GW of power for a minute, making it a formidable tool in the realm of space warfare.
The TPG1000C is a high-power microwave generator that weighs around five tonnes, making it a relatively compact and mobile device. Its ability to deliver high-energy pulses in short bursts makes it an effective tool for damaging or destroying satellites in low Earth orbit. The device can deliver up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session, each lasting around 60 seconds. This capability allows the TPG1000C to potentially overwhelm and disable a satellite’s defenses, rendering it inoperable.
The development of the TPG1000C is a significant concern for the global space industry, particularly for companies like SpaceX, which operates a large constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation, is designed to provide global internet connectivity, but it also relies on a network of satellites that are vulnerable to attack. The TPG1000C’s ability to damage or destroy these satellites poses a significant threat to the stability and security of the global space industry.
The use of high-power microwave technology to disable or destroy satellites is not new, but the TPG1000C’s compact size and mobility make it a particularly formidable tool. High-power microwave technology works by generating a high-energy pulse of microwave energy that is directed at a target, in this case, a satellite. The pulse can cause significant damage to the satellite’s electronics and systems, rendering it inoperable.
The development of the TPG1000C is also a concern for the military, as it has significant implications for the use of satellites in military operations. Satellites play a critical role in modern military operations, providing communications, navigation, and surveillance capabilities. The ability to disable or destroy these satellites could give an adversary a significant advantage on the battlefield.
China’s development of the TPG1000C is also a reflection of the country’s growing interest in space warfare. China has been rapidly expanding its space program in recent years, with a focus on developing capabilities that can counter those of its adversaries. The development of the TPG1000C is a significant step in this direction, as it demonstrates China’s ability to develop and deploy advanced space warfare capabilities.
The implications of the TPG1000C’s development are far-reaching, and they have significant implications for the global space industry. The ability to damage or destroy satellites in low Earth orbit poses a significant threat to the stability and security of the global space industry. It also raises concerns about the potential for an arms race in space, as countries seek to develop capabilities that can counter those of their adversaries.
In conclusion, the development of the TPG1000C by China’s Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology is a significant concern for the global space industry. The device’s ability to damage or destroy satellites in low Earth orbit poses a significant threat to the stability and security of the global space industry. The development of the TPG1000C is also a reflection of China’s growing interest in space warfare, and it has significant implications for the military and the global space industry as a whole.
As the global space industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a growing focus on the development of space warfare capabilities. The development of the TPG1000C is a significant step in this direction, and it demonstrates the need for a renewed focus on space security and the development of capabilities that can counter those of adversaries.
News source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/china-builds-microwave-weapon-that-can-take-down-starlink-satellites/tldr
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