Missiles, Combat Satellites, Jamming... The World is Studying Satellite Interceptor Weapons Intensively [Reading Science]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] As the full-scale satellite era begins, significantly impacting national security and the economy, major powers are intensifying efforts to develop anti-satellite interception weapons. China and Russia are the most actively engaged in research and development to counter the United States, while France, India, and others also possess some offensive capabilities. Notably, North Korea has equipped itself with an electronic warfare system.

According to the "Global Space Power" report published in April last year by the U.S. nonprofit organization Secure World Foundation, major countries worldwide have recently increased their utilization of space from security and economic perspectives, focusing their capabilities on developing technologies to destroy, disrupt, or deceive enemy satellites and other assets.

The report assessed major powers' research, development, or operational deployment based on seven criteria: direct attack capabilities on low, medium, and high orbit satellites using ground-launched missiles; the ability to remove enemy satellites in low, medium, and high orbits using combat or robotic satellites; development of laser attack weapons; electronic warfare and space situational awareness capabilities, among others.

The report first mentioned China, evaluating that since 2005, it has developed technology to intercept low-orbit satellites using strategic ballistic missiles and has reached a mature stage. It is also developing interception missiles for medium and high orbit satellites. Additionally, China is developing technology to attack satellites in orbit. In January, China succeeded in capturing its malfunctioning satellite in orbit with the Shijian 21 satellite and disposing of it in a satellite graveyard at an altitude of 300 km. China has also developed and operationalized electronic warfare technology capable of disrupting Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and communications, deploying it in the border area following last year's conflict with India. Directional energy launchers, i.e., laser weapons mounted on aircraft or satellites, are also under development. The report stated, "There is concrete evidence that China is developing laser weapons, with records of experiments conducted at three locations," but added, "The success and operational readiness remain unconfirmed." To monitor space situations, China has deployed numerous ground-based optical and laser telescopes and is known to have missile early warning capabilities. The report noted, "Although China officially emphasizes the peaceful use of space, it designated space as a warfighting domain in 2015 and is developing offensive and defensive means to secure its dominance."

Russia appears to have secured or is developing anti-satellite weapon systems in seven areas. Electronic warfare technology and space situational awareness capabilities have already been operationally deployed, and low-orbit attack satellites have been developed. A representative case occurred last July when a European Space Agency (ESA) satellite conducting reconnaissance near Ukraine was subjected to Russian electronic warfare attacks. Additionally, low-orbit attack missiles and laser weapons are undergoing testing ahead of operational deployment. Missiles and combat satellites capable of intercepting medium and high orbit satellites are in the development stage.

The United States, which pioneered practical satellite utilization such as GPS, is the originator of satellite interception system development. During the Cold War, fearing nuclear missile attacks from the former Soviet Union, it focused on building missile early warning systems and now possesses the world's most powerful and extensive space surveillance capabilities, along with outstanding missile and satellite interception abilities. It has ultra-precise electronic warfare devices and space situational awareness capabilities in operational use. Laser weapons and missiles for attacking low-orbit satellites are also being tested. Offensive satellites are under development, though their testing status remains unconfirmed.

France has built a space surveillance network and is developing laser weapons and electronic warfare devices. India is developing and testing low-orbit attack missiles and space surveillance equipment and is researching laser weapons. Iran, which opposes the U.S., has established space surveillance equipment and operates electronic warfare devices. Japan has established a space surveillance system and is reportedly researching electronic warfare devices and laser weapons. It also possesses sufficient capability to develop satellite interception missiles but has not disclosed whether it is actively developing them.

The report also assessed that North Korea is testing and operating electronic warfare equipment. However, it expressed uncertainty regarding North Korea's possession of space situational awareness capabilities to detect foreign satellites entering its airspace. The report stated, "North Korea has demonstrated the capability to disrupt civilian GPS but it is unknown whether it can interfere with military GPS," and added, "It has not been confirmed whether North Korea can disrupt satellite communications."