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, known as the TPG1000C, is a compact driver that can deliver up to 20 GW of power for a minute, making it a potential “Starlink killer” that can take down billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this new technology and explore its implications for the space industry.
The TPG1000C is a high-power microwave device developed by China’s Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology. Weighing five tonnes, this compact driver is capable of delivering a massive amount of energy in a short burst. According to reports, the device can deliver up to 20 GW of power for a minute, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of a small town. This amount of energy is sufficient to damage or even destroy satellites in low Earth orbit, including those operated by Starlink.
The TPG1000C is designed to operate in a high-frequency range, which allows it to penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and reach satellites in low Earth orbit. The device can deliver up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session, making it a formidable weapon in the space domain. The high-energy pulses emitted by the TPG1000C can cause significant damage to satellite electronics, leading to malfunctions or even complete failure.
The development of the TPG1000C has significant implications for the space industry, particularly for companies like Starlink that operate a large constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, which aims to provide global internet coverage. The constellation consists of thousands of satellites, each weighing around 260 kg, which are launched into low Earth orbit to provide internet services to remote and underserved areas.
The TPG1000C poses a significant threat to Starlink satellites, as it can damage or destroy them with a single burst of energy. This could have catastrophic consequences for the constellation, leading to a loss of internet services and significant economic losses. The development of the TPG1000C also raises concerns about the militarization of space, as it demonstrates China’s ability to develop and deploy advanced space-based weapons.
The TPG1000C is not the only high-power microwave device developed by China. The country has been actively developing its high-power microwave technology in recent years, with a focus on space-based applications. China has already demonstrated its ability to launch high-power microwave devices into space, which can be used to disable or destroy enemy satellites.
The development of the TPG1000C has also sparked concerns about the vulnerability of satellites in low Earth orbit. Satellites in low Earth orbit are vulnerable to attacks from high-power microwave devices, as they are not protected by the Earth’s magnetic field. This makes them easy targets for space-based weapons like the TPG1000C.
In response to the development of the TPG1000C, the space industry is likely to take steps to protect its satellites from high-power microwave attacks. This could include the development of shielding technologies or the use of alternative orbits that are less vulnerable to attack. The development of the TPG1000C also highlights the need for international cooperation to regulate the use of space-based weapons and prevent the militarization of space.
In conclusion, the development of the TPG1000C by China’s Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology is a significant milestone in the development of high-power microwave technology. The device’s ability to damage or destroy satellites in low Earth orbit, including those operated by Starlink, raises significant concerns about the vulnerability of satellites and the militarization of space. As the space industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see the development of new technologies and strategies to protect satellites from high-power microwave attacks.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/china-builds-microwave-weapon-that-can-take-down-starlink-satellites/tldr
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