A latest intelligence input can potentially change the world’s military order not just on the Earth but in the space as well. The US has reportedly learnt that Russia is actively developing new anti-satellite weapon that can strike down the US satellite orbiting the Earth. According to multiple reports, the White House has acknowledged the intel input.
In the first public remark, White House spokesperson John Kirby confirmed about Moscow developing new nuclear-capable anti-satellite weapon. However, Russia has still not deployed the ‘troubling’ weapon in the space. It should be note that as soon as the US learnt about the Russian anti-satellite weapon, Pentagon had launched a missile-tracking spacecraft, the New York Times report said.
Should we be worried about star wars?
Well, to be precise, anti-satellite weapons have been part of global armory for quite some time now. Apart from the US, China and Russia already have anti-satellite weapons. India joined this elite club in 2019 as it carried out successful trial of its ASAT – Mission Shakti. Known as the fourth dimension of warfare in military parlance, Mission Shakti was helmed by the DRDO that showcases India’s capability of shooting the satellite by launching missile. While China, the US and Russia are signatories of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, India has not signed it so far.
What’s plan B for the US?
While there has been no episode of space surveillance or anyone targeting the spacecraft of any nation, the possibility of this can’t be completely ruled out. The US has already put the plan B in action. Apart from big defence companies, it is going for new startups who can quickly launch the satellite in the space.
According to the New York Times, last year, defence startup Firefly Aerospace had successfully launched and placed a military spacecraft in the orbit just 27 hours after receiving the order. Previous record was 21 days. This rapid mobilisation can help the US for quickly replacing the satellites in case of a space war.