Starlink Faces Threats Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

Two NATO-nation intelligence services suspect that Russia is developing a new anti-satellite weapon aimed at Elon Musk's Starlink constellation. According to intelligence findings seen by The Associated Press, this weapon, referred to as a zone-effect weapon, would deploy hundreds of thousands of high-density pellets into Starlink's orbits.

Analysts express skepticism about the feasibility of such a weapon, suggesting that it could lead to uncontrollable chaos in space, impacting not only Starlink but also other satellites used for communications and defense, including those belonging to Russia and its ally China.

Brigadier General Christopher Horner of the Canadian military's Space Division stated that while he has not been briefed on such a system, it cannot be ruled out given past allegations against Russia regarding nuclear, space-based weapons.

The intelligence findings indicate that Russia views Starlink as a significant threat, particularly as its high-speed internet service has proven crucial for Ukraine's military operations during the ongoing conflict.

Russia has previously warned that commercial satellites supporting Ukraine could be legitimate military targets. The report mentions a new ground-based missile system, the S-500, capable of targeting low-orbit systems, and highlights concerns that an attack could release clouds of pellets that might indiscriminately damage multiple satellites, including those in similar orbits.

Victoria Samson, a space-security specialist at the Secure World Foundation, expressed doubt about the actual intent behind the intelligence findings, suggesting that they might be a means to provoke an international response.

Analysts also noted that the small size of the pellets could make them hard to detect, complicating attribution of any attacks. The potential chaos from such a weapon could serve as a deterrent, allowing Russia to threaten adversaries without direct confrontation.

The findings do not confirm when Russia might deploy such a system or its current stage of development, leaving its operational status unclear. Overall, the report underscores the strategic significance of satellite technology in modern warfare and the potential implications of its weaponization.