China builds ‘Starlink killer’ that can damage satellites with 60-second bursts
In a move that could potentially disrupt the global satellite communications landscape, China’s Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology has developed a compact driver for a high-power microwave weapon that can damage billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites operating in low Earth orbit. According to reports, the device, known as the TPG1000C, is capable of delivering high-energy pulses that can cripple or destroy satellites in a matter of seconds.
The TPG1000C is a massive device, weighing in at five tonnes, and is capable of delivering up to 20 GW of power for a minute. This is an unprecedented level of power, and it’s clear that the device is designed to be a game-changer in the field of space-based warfare. The device can deliver up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session, making it a formidable tool for taking down enemy satellites.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching and alarming. With the ability to take down satellites with 60-second bursts, China has essentially developed a “Starlink killer” that could give it a significant advantage in space-based warfare. The Starlink constellation, which is operated by SpaceX, is a network of thousands of satellites that provide high-speed internet connectivity to users around the world. If China were to use the TPG1000C to take down Starlink satellites, it could potentially disrupt global communications and give China a significant upper hand in terms of space-based capabilities.
The development of the TPG1000C is also a significant escalation of the space-based arms race between China and the United States. The US has long been concerned about China’s growing space-based capabilities, and the development of the TPG1000C is likely to raise those concerns to a new level. The US has been investing heavily in its own space-based capabilities, including the development of new satellites and ground-based systems for tracking and targeting enemy satellites.
The use of high-power microwave weapons like the TPG1000C is also a concern because of the potential for unintended consequences. High-power microwave pulses can have unpredictable effects on electronic systems, and there is a risk that the use of such devices could inadvertently damage or disrupt other satellites or space-based systems. This could lead to a cascade of unintended consequences, including disruptions to global communications, navigation, and other critical systems.
The development of the TPG1000C is also a reminder of the growing importance of space-based capabilities in modern warfare. As more and more countries develop their own space-based capabilities, the risk of conflict in space is increasing. The US, China, and other countries are all investing heavily in their own space-based capabilities, and it’s clear that space is becoming an increasingly important domain for military operations.
In addition to the military implications, the development of the TPG1000C also raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of space-based systems. As more and more countries develop their own space-based capabilities, there is a growing risk of collisions, debris, and other forms of interference that could disrupt or damage satellites. The use of high-power microwave weapons like the TPG1000C could exacerbate these risks, and it’s clear that there is a need for greater international cooperation and regulation of space-based activities.
In conclusion, the development of the TPG1000C is a significant escalation of the space-based arms race between China and the United States. The device’s ability to deliver high-energy pulses that can damage or destroy satellites makes it a formidable tool for space-based warfare, and it’s clear that China is intent on developing its own capabilities to counter those of the US. As the space-based arms race continues to escalate, it’s clear that there is a need for greater international cooperation and regulation of space-based activities to prevent unintended consequences and ensure the long-term sustainability of space-based systems.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/china-builds-microwave-weapon-that-can-take-down-starlink-satellites/tldr
About the Author
