Context:
Russia is actively working towards a formidable new development in space technology, focusing on creating a nuclear anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon.
Relevance:
GS III: Defence
Dimensions of the Article:
- Anti-Satellite Weapon (ASAT): Unveiling Orbital Disruption
Anti-Satellite Weapon (ASAT): Unveiling Orbital Disruption
Weapon Design and Objective:
- An Anti-Satellite Weapon is specifically engineered to incapacitate or obliterate operational satellites already in orbit.
- It poses a strategic threat in both kinetic and non-kinetic forms, targeting satellites crucial for communication, navigation, surveillance, and military operations.
Types of ASATs:
- Kinetic Energy Methods:
- Utilizes missiles that intercept and physically collide with the target satellite, resulting in its destruction.
- Includes ballistic missiles, drones, and other satellites capable of reaching different altitudes.
- Non-Kinetic Methods:
- Involves non-physical attacks like cyber-attacks, jamming, and laser-based interference to disable or blind satellites without physically destroying them.
- Operable from air, low orbit, or ground installations.
Varied Attack Techniques:
- ASAT capabilities extend to diverse techniques, including:
- Pellet cloud attacks on low orbit enemy satellites.
- Cyber-attacks on space systems.
- Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) explosion devices.
- Directed energy weapons (laser-based).
- Targeted missiles for satellite destruction to disrupt enemy military operations.
Global ASAT Prowess:
- Several nations possess ASAT capabilities, but only four countries, including India, have demonstrated their proficiency in Anti-Satellite Warfare.
Challenges and Concerns:
- Space Debris Hazard:
- ASAT weapons generate a substantial amount of space debris, posing significant risks to all space operations, including civilian and commercial satellites.
- The proliferation of space debris contributes to heightened concerns about orbital congestion and potential collisions.
-Source: The Hindu
