Intelligence reports, according to the Associated Press, reveal that Russia is developing a new weapon specialized in destroying satellites, specifically Elon Musk’s Starlink network.
This weapon is believed to have the ability to create chaos in satellite orbits by spreading large amounts of shrapnel, which could destroy a number of satellites at once, thus posing a threat to other space objects. This development falls within the escalating space arms race between major powers, with Russia and China competing to develop military space systems aimed at their potential adversaries.
It is worth noting that the Starlink network plays an important role in the Ukrainian conflict, as Ukraine relies on the Internet provided by this network in military communications and drone control operations.
The report stated that these micro-spheres designed to destroy satellites, which are no more than a few millimeters in diameter, make it very difficult to detect them, and may damage any nearby space object in orbit, including other Russian and Chinese satellites.
It is reported that Russia conducted a test of an anti-satellite weapon in 2021, which resulted in more than 1,500 pieces of space debris. The United States described this act as “reckless and irresponsible behavior.” Experts point out that the new weapon may be able to target a large number of Starlink satellites at once, increasing the risks to space infrastructure, whether civilian or military. (Eram News)
