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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Kyrgyzstan /Conflict & Security

China develops weapon capable of destroying Starlink satellites

From 24.kg · () Russian

Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • China has developed a pulsed weapon capable of destroying Starlink satellites, according to Chinese researchers.
  • The weapon systems can emit pulses up to 100 gigawatts and have transitioned from lab prototypes to practical application.
  • Researchers estimate the cost of using these systems could be significantly lower than traditional anti-satellite weapons.

Chinese military researchers have developed a pulsed weapon system with the potential to destroy Starlink satellites, marking a significant advancement in space warfare capabilities. The findings were published in the journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams by scientists from China's National University of Defense Technology, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Details revealed in the publication indicate that these systems are capable of generating pulses with a power output of up to 100 gigawatts. The researchers assert that the technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, moving from laboratory prototypes to practical applications, with the systems becoming more productive and durable.

This development suggests a potential shift in the cost-effectiveness of space-based conflict. The researchers estimate that the operational cost of employing such pulsed weapon systems could be substantially lower compared to conventional methods used to target objects in space. This could have significant implications for future military strategies and the security of satellite constellations.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.