Russia is developing a weapon to destroy Starlink, according to NATO countries
Two NATO countries' intelligence services suspect Russia of developing a new "zone effect" anti-satellite weapon designed to take out of service the Starlink constellation of satellites. This was reported by AP, which has access to the intelligence findings on condition of anonymity of sources.
The weapon would work on the principle of scattering high-density pellets in orbit, creating a cloud of shrapnel capable of damaging multiple satellites at once. However, analysts say the use of such a weapon could also cause uncontrollable damage to Russian or Chinese satellites, so it is uncertain whether Moscow would actually deploy such a system.
The French Space Command has described Russian activities in space as "dangerous and hostile", but has not commented on the suspicion itself.
SpaceX's Starlink satellites provide Ukraine with crucial communications infrastructure in both the battlefield and civilian sectors. It is their deployment, according to the findings, that is the main reason Moscow perceives the system as a threat.
It is not known at what stage of development the alleged weapon is or whether it has been tested.
(max)