China’s Warning to Elon Musk’s Starlink: Sub-Launched DEWs Can Hunt Its Satellites Undetected
Introduction
Recent research by China’s People Liberation Army (PLA) scientists suggests that PLA submarines equipped with directed-energy weapons (DEWs) could destroy SpaceX’s Starlink satellites if China’s security is at risk. These studies claim that submarines fitted with solid-state, megawatt-class laser weapons can fire at satellites from underwater, retract their “optoelectronic mast,” and dive back to the ocean floor undetected.
The Threat to Starlink
In a paper published in the Chinese-language journal Command Control & Simulation, the project team led by Wang Dan, a professor at the Naval Submarine Academy, proposed the mass production and deployment of these laser-equipped submarines in different oceans to counter military threats to China. A report from the South China Morning Post provided details of this study.
Quote: “Currently, the primary means of anti-satellite operations rely on ground-to-air missiles, but this approach has certain issues, mainly in terms of concealment.” – Wang Dan
The researchers argue that ground-based anti-satellite operations are easily detectable due to visible missile launch trails, which reveal the attacker’s location. This visibility creates a significant risk of retaliation. Wang’s team noted that Starlink satellites are numerous, densely packed, and small, making missile attacks inefficient. Submarine-based laser weapons could address these issues by attacking from underwater, avoiding detection.
Directed-Energy Weapons: A New Frontier
Directed-energy weapons, including powerful microwave systems and lasers, have long been considered viable for targeting satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These weapons offer a means to engage multiple targets efficiently. Earlier, Chinese scientists claimed to have developed a compact power source capable of reducing the size of high-power microwave weapons, which could down satellites by producing up to 10 gigawatts of power with a frequency of 10 pulses per second.
The Role of Submarines in Anti-Satellite Warfare
The idea of submarines destroying satellites is not exclusive to China. A feature article by the US Naval Institute highlighted the potential of submarines equipped with directed-energy weapons to participate in space warfare. The stealth of submarines makes them ideal for launching undetected anti-satellite attacks, especially against satellite constellations in LEO, which are vulnerable to such weapons.
Quote: “Satellite constellations in LEO are the most susceptible to antisatellite weapons, such as the direct-ascent interceptors the United States demonstrated during Operation Burnt Frost.” – US Naval Institute
A Step-by-Step Guide to Satellite Elimination
The PLA research provided a detailed guide for using laser-equipped submarines to target satellites like Starlink. The process involves:
- Dispatching Submarines: One or more laser-equipped submarines are sent to the designated sea area.
- Positioning: The submarines wait for satellites to enter their attack range.
- Raising the Laser Weapon: The laser weapon is raised based on the satellite’s overhead time.
- Guidance: Other forces provide satellite position guidance to the submarines.
- Attack: The laser weapon fires at the satellite.
- Retraction: The submarine retracts the laser and submerges to await the next mission or return to port.
This method ensures that the submarine remains undetected, reducing the risk of counterattacks.
Why Starlink is a Concern for China
While the PLA study specifically targets Starlink, it does not explicitly state why it poses a threat to China’s security. However, previous reports suggest that China fears SpaceX is creating a network of spy satellites for the United States. The concern grew after two Starlink satellites made a close approach to the Chinese space station in 2021, forcing astronauts to take emergency measures.
Starlink’s Role in Military Operations
Starlink has played a significant role in Ukraine’s defense against Russia by providing secure military communications. Chinese researchers have studied how Starlink has been used in Ukraine, raising concerns that Taiwan might also use Starlink in a potential conflict with China. Starlink’s primary purpose is communication, but Chinese military experts worry that future satellites could carry payloads for electronic interference and reconnaissance.
Table 1: Comparison of Anti-Satellite Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-to-Air Missiles | High impact, established technology | Easily detectable, inefficient against small satellites |
| Directed-Energy Weapons | Undetectable, efficient for multiple targets | Requires advanced technology, still under development |
China’s Strategic Concerns
China’s apprehensions about Starlink are tied to its potential military applications. The Starshield program, a joint initiative between SpaceX and the Pentagon, is perceived as a threat because it could track China’s hypersonic weapons. This perception has led to increased scrutiny and calls for measures to disable or destroy Starlink satellites if they threaten national security.
Countermeasures and Future Developments
Ren Yuanzhen, a researcher with the Beijing Institute of Tracking and Telecommunications under the PLA’s Strategic Support Force, has suggested that China should adopt a combination of soft and hard kill methods to disable Starlink satellites. These methods could disrupt the constellation’s operating system, making it less effective.
Quote: “A combination of soft and hard kill methods should be adopted to make some Starlink satellites lose their functions and destroy the constellation’s operating system.” – Ren Yuanzhen
Table 2: Potential Countermeasures Against Starlink
| Countermeasure | Description | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Kill | Electronic jamming and cyber attacks | Temporary disruption, less risky |
| Hard Kill | Physical destruction using DEWs | Permanent disablement, higher risk |
Conclusion
China’s development of submarine-based directed-energy weapons represents a significant advancement in anti-satellite technology. The stealth and efficiency of these weapons could provide China with a powerful tool to counter threats posed by satellite networks like Starlink. As space becomes an increasingly contested domain, the importance of developing and countering such technologies will only grow. The international community must carefully monitor these developments to prevent the escalation of space-based conflicts.
By understanding the capabilities and intentions behind these technologies, nations can better prepare for the challenges of modern warfare, both on Earth and in space.
References
- Wang, D., et al. (2023). Command Control & Simulation. Chinese-language journal.
- South China Morning Post. (2023). Report on PLA research.
- US Naval Institute. (2023). Feature article on directed-energy weapons.
- Ren, Y. (2023). Modern Defence Technology. Peer-reviewed journal.
