Starlink, SpaceX's satellite network designed to deliver affordable internet to remote areas, may not be as secure as thought. A group of renowned Chinese scientists recently simulated a space mission aimed at targeting the massive satellite constellation South China Morning Mail.
The results of the computer simulation showed that China was able to effectively access nearly 1,400 Starlink satellites within twelve hours using just 99 Chinese satellites. These can be equipped with lasers, microwaves and other devices to perform reconnaissance, tracking or other operations.
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“The potential military application value of the Starlink mega-constellation has been highlighted in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In recent years, the militarization of space has intensified, posing a significant threat to China's space security. It is particularly important to track and monitor its operational functioning. status,” wrote the project team led by Wu Yunhua, director of the Aerospace Control Department of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Their peer-reviewed article was published in the Chinese Academic on January 3 magazine Systems Engineering and Electronics.
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According to SCMP, SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has launched more than 6,700 Starlink satellites and is expected to grow that number to tens of thousands in the coming years.
According to Space.com, Starlink satellites have a lifespan of about five years, and SpaceX hopes to eventually have as many as 42,000 satellites in this so-called mega-constellation.
