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India.com
18 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
These Four Countries Ready For War In Space, And They Have Already Shot Down Satellites
New Delhi: After dominating land and sea, the world's military focus is now shifting upwards – toward space. What was once the realm of science, communication and exploration is now quietly turning into the next frontier of warfare. A handful of countries are not only building space surveillance networks and deploying military satellites, but also preparing for possible battles by developing and testing weapons that can destroy enemy satellites. Here's a closer look at the four countries that have already demonstrated their ability to strike in space by deliberately destroying their own satellites, sending a signal to the rest of the world. United States The United States was the first to show the world what an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon could do. Back in 1985, the U.S. Air Force used an F-15 fighter jet to launch a missile that successfully destroyed one of its own satellites. Since then, the United States has built the largest and most sophisticated network of GPS, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites in orbit. Washington's space capabilities are unmatched in terms of both quantity and precision. Russia Russia, once a space pioneer as part of the former Soviet Union, continues to remain a major force in the militarisation of space. Over the years, it has conducted several low-profile ASAT tests. In December 2021, the United States accused Russia of destroying one of its own satellites using an ASAT missile, which resulted in a massive cloud of debris – threatening other satellites and the International Space Station. That incident raised global alarms about the growing dangers of space militarisation. China China joined the elite space warfare club in 2007 by launching a missile that destroyed one of its own defunct weather satellites in low Earth orbit. The event left behind a huge trail of space debris, drawing criticism from space agencies around the world. It also signaled Beijing's arrival as a serious space power. In the years since, China has continued to expand its military space programmes, launching dozens of military satellites and developing capabilities that could one day be used in space-based conflicts. India India's entry into the field came in March 2019, when it carried out 'Mission Shakti', a successful ASAT test that targeted and destroyed a satellite in low-Earth orbit. Carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the test put India among the few countries with demonstrable space strike capabilities. Though India has repeatedly said its intentions are peaceful and defensive, the test was a reminder of New Delhi's growing strategic edge. What This Means Space is no longer just about exploration or navigation. These demonstrations show that if tensions rise on Earth, satellites in space, critical for communication, navigation, military coordination and intelligence, could become prime targets. The four countries listed above have made it clear that they are ready to fight in space if the time comes. And they are not just testing the waters, they have already taken the shot. As technology advances and geopolitical rivalries grow more intense, the silent skies above might no longer remain so silent.
India.com
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan and China set to face the heat in coming days, will they continue to remain friends? Check India's connection
China has always had the back of Pakistan and time and again, it has proved to be a great friend of India's arch rival. This was also confirmed during the recent Operation Sindoor of the Indian Armed Forces in which, China shared satellite and technical intelligence information against India with Pakistan. Islamabad also used Chinese weapons against India in response to this operation. But now the tension of these two countries is going to increase. The situation will become so bad that both will have to struggle to save their own lives. In such a situation, they will not even get a chance to think about helping each other. Indian Air Force is increasing its presence in near space In fact, the Indian Air Force has begun to look beyond traditional airspace in light of regional conditions. This strategic region is near space, which extends from 20 to 100 kilometers above the Earth's surface. This region, often called the 'unseen middle,' lies above the reach of conventional aircraft and below the orbits of satellites. This area provides a unique opportunity for long-range surveillance, communications, and defense applications of enemy territory. With advances in high-altitude platforms, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic technology, the Indian Air Force is beginning to establish its presence in this emerging region. What are the benefits of being in near space? According to the Asia Times report, near space offers several strategic advantages. It allows for continuous monitoring of disputed or remote areas, supports reliable communication links in difficult terrain and enables early detection of missile threats. Unlike satellites, near-space platforms can be operated, recovered and redeployed quickly and cost-effectively. At the same time, satellites follow the predicted orbits of any missiles and also face threats from anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. India will keep a close watch on these areas Moreover, the growing military applications of near space also serve India's broader security priorities. It can prove to be quite effective, especially with regard to monitoring Chinese activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and countering the growing missile capabilities of neighbouring countries. One of the most immediate applications of near space for the IAF is in the area of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Platforms such as high-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS) and stratospheric balloons can conduct surveillance from altitudes of 20 to 30 kilometres for long durations. Solar-powered and equipped with advanced sensors, these systems can provide high-resolution images and signal intelligence over a wide area. This persistent aerial presence is ideal for border surveillance, especially in remote areas such as Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and the Siachen Glacier. Conventional drones and manned aircraft are limited by fuel and endurance, while satellites can only fly over a given area at fixed intervals. HAPS and similar near-space vehicles can fill this critical surveillance gap.
South China Morning Post
15-05-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Will satellite dogfights be the final frontier for the US-China space rivalry?
Tens of thousands of kilometres above the Earth's surface, Chinese satellites have been spotted moving in mysterious zigzag patterns. Space observers – including those at the Pentagon – are not sure what the unusual manoeuvres are meant to achieve, but they are reportedly happening at higher speeds and becoming more complex. They are also coming 'uncomfortably close' to US spacecraft. As a rising space power, China has made big advances in recent years with orbital inspection , repair and refuelling – all crucial to sustaining navigation, weather forecast, and broadband internet services. But there are concerns that the same space techniques – employed in what Beijing considers a 'war-fighting domain' – could be used to capture detailed images, closely inspect enemy satellites, intercept radio frequency signals, or even inflict damage on rival spacecraft. In the past decade, China has developed one of the world's most comprehensive space defence systems. It leads in direct ascent and co-orbital anti-satellite (ASAT) technologies in low Earth orbit, ahead of the No 1 space power, the United States, according to open-source data analysed by US-based research organisation Secure World Foundation (SWF) and published in April. So much so that China's strength in this area has prompted leaders of the American air and space forces to make rare public calls for 'space weapons' this year.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
High altitude platforms can provide secure, flexible coverage compared to satellites: COAI
High altitude platforms like solar power drones, balloons, airships, etc, can provide secure and flexible coverage at lower cost compared to satellites, a senior official of telecom industry body COAI said. Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General S P Kochhar said countries like the US, Japan, the UK, and companies like Airbus (Zephyr) and SoftBank are investing heavily in HAPS technologies and India should start working on regulatory framework for HAPS operations, spectrum allocation and airspace management . Kochhar's remarks come at a time when COAI key members Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have joined hands with Elon Musk-led Starlink for satellite services after initially opposing and obstructing its bid to enter the India market. Starlink is yet to get government's approval to start services in India pending security clearance. "The main purpose of HAPS is similar to satellites, but with the advantage of being able to be deployed rapidly and at a lower cost. HAPS operate at much lower altitudes (20-50 km) compared to geostationary or low-earth orbit satellites, resulting in significantly lower latency -- critical for real-time communication and military operations," Kochhar said while clarifying that it is personal view and not the view of the industry body. He said HAPS platforms can be rapidly deployed, repositioned or recovered, providing tactical flexibility that satellites cannot offer once in orbit which makes them ideal for Disaster Recovery and Emergency Networks, in situations of floods or earthquakes for emergency communications and monitoring in the disaster zones. "HAPS are less susceptible to certain space-based threats such as anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, orbital debris or jamming attacks targeted at high-orbit infrastructure. From a security standpoint, HAPS also allow for persistent surveillance of sensitive border regions or maritime zones without violating international space treaties or depending on expensive satellite constellations," Kochhar said. Satellites operate at higher altitude and there are high chances that their signal may spill over beyond the country's border. He said there is a need for comprehensive regulatory policy for HAPS operations, spectrum allocation and airspace management in India as well as investments in indigenous research and development through DRDO, ISRO and private aerospace startups are crucial. "The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) needs to identify and allocate specific spectrum bands for HAPS services, while ensuring compatibility with existing satellite and terrestrial networks. Solar-powered UAVs suited for Indian climate conditions (monsoon, dust storms, high humidity) need localised innovation," Kochhar said.
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Business Standard
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Drones can provide secure coverage compared to satellites: COAI DG
High altitude platforms like solar power drones, balloons, airships, etc, can provide secure and flexible coverage at lower cost compared to satellites, a senior official of telecom industry body COAI said. Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General S P Kochhar said countries like the US, Japan, the UK, and companies like Airbus (Zephyr) and SoftBank are investing heavily in HAPS technologies and India should start working on regulatory framework for HAPS operations, spectrum allocation and airspace management. Kochhar's remarks come at a time when COAI key members Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have joined hands with Elon Musk-led Starlink for satellite services after initially opposing and obstructing its bid to enter the India market. Starlink is yet to get government's approval to start services in India pending security clearance. "The main purpose of HAPS is similar to satellites, but with the advantage of being able to be deployed rapidly and at a lower cost. HAPS operate at much lower altitudes (20-50 km) compared to geostationary or low-earth orbit satellites, resulting in significantly lower latency -- critical for real-time communication and military operations," Kochhar said while clarifying that it is personal view and not the view of the industry body. He said HAPS platforms can be rapidly deployed, repositioned or recovered, providing tactical flexibility that satellites cannot offer once in orbit which makes them ideal for Disaster Recovery and Emergency Networks, in situations of floods or earthquakes for emergency communications and monitoring in the disaster zones. "HAPS are less susceptible to certain space-based threats such as anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, orbital debris or jamming attacks targeted at high-orbit infrastructure. From a security standpoint, HAPS also allow for persistent surveillance of sensitive border regions or maritime zones without violating international space treaties or depending on expensive satellite constellations," Kochhar said. Satellites operate at higher altitude and there are high chances that their signal may spill over beyond the country's border. He said there is a need for comprehensive regulatory policy for HAPS operations, spectrum allocation and airspace management in India as well as investments in indigenous research and development through DRDO, ISRO and private aerospace startups are crucial. "The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) needs to identify and allocate specific spectrum bands for HAPS services, while ensuring compatibility with existing satellite and terrestrial networks. Solar-powered UAVs suited for Indian climate conditions (monsoon, dust storms, high humidity) need localised innovation," Kochhar said.
