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 “Starlink killer,” has been designed to target billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellation, which has been a subject of interest for the Chinese government. According to reports, the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology has developed a compact driver for the high-power microwave weapon, which can deliver up to 20 GW of power for a minute.
The TPG1000Cs, as it is called, weighs a staggering five tonnes and is capable of delivering up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session. This means that the device can emit powerful microwave bursts for up to 60 seconds, potentially damaging or disabling satellites in its line of sight. The development of this weapon has significant implications for the space industry, particularly for companies like SpaceX, which relies heavily on its Starlink satellite constellation for its internet services.
The Starlink constellation, which consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit, provides high-speed internet services to users around the world. However, the development of the “Starlink killer” raises concerns about the vulnerability of these satellites to high-power microwave attacks. If the TPG1000Cs were to be used against the Starlink constellation, it could potentially cripple SpaceX’s ability to provide internet services, causing significant disruptions to users who rely on the service.
The development of the “Starlink killer” is not surprising, given China’s growing interest in space warfare. In recent years, China has been investing heavily in its space program, with a focus on developing technologies that can help it counter the dominance of the United States in space. The development of high-power microwave weapons is a key part of this strategy, as it allows China to potentially disable or destroy satellites in low Earth orbit.
The TPG1000Cs is a significant development in this regard, as it provides China with a compact and powerful device that can be used to attack satellites. The device’s ability to deliver up to 20 GW of power for a minute makes it a formidable weapon, capable of causing significant damage to satellites in its line of sight. The fact that it can deliver up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session means that it can be used to attack multiple satellites in a short period of time, making it a valuable asset for China’s space warfare capabilities.
The implications of the “Starlink killer” are far-reaching, and raise significant concerns about the security of satellites in low Earth orbit. The development of this weapon highlights the need for greater cooperation and regulation in the space industry, particularly when it comes to the use of high-power microwave weapons. The use of such weapons against satellites could have significant consequences, including disruptions to critical infrastructure and services that rely on satellite technology.
In addition to the security implications, the development of the “Starlink killer” also raises questions about the ethics of space warfare. The use of high-power microwave weapons against satellites raises concerns about the potential for harm to civilians and the environment. The fact that the TPG1000Cs can deliver up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session means that it could potentially cause significant damage to the environment, including the ionosphere and the ozone layer.
The development of the “Starlink killer” is a significant milestone in China’s space program, and highlights the country’s growing capabilities in space warfare. However, it also raises significant concerns about the security and ethics of space warfare, and highlights the need for greater cooperation and regulation in the space industry. As the space industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more developments like the “Starlink killer,” which will require careful consideration and regulation to ensure that they are used responsibly and safely.
In conclusion, the development of the “Starlink killer” is a significant development in the space industry, with significant implications for the security and ethics of space warfare. The device’s ability to deliver up to 20 GW of power for a minute, and its capacity to deliver up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session, make it a formidable weapon that could potentially cripple SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. As the space industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more developments like the “Starlink killer,” which will require careful consideration and regulation to ensure that they are used responsibly and safely.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/china-builds-microwave-weapon-that-can-take-down-starlink-satellites/tldr
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