Chinese scientists are developing ways to destroy Elon Musk‘s Starlink satellite network, including laser strikes, custom-built satellites and supply chain sabotage.
They see the system as a growing threat to national security, especially because of its potential to be used by the US in a military confrontation and for spying.
Starlink, which provides low-cost, high-speed internet through thousands of satellites, is now used in more than 140 countries.
Professors from China‘s National University of Defence Technology wrote: ‘As the United States integrates Starlink technology into military space assets to gain a strategic advantage over its adversaries, other countries increasingly perceive Starlink as a security threat in nuclear, space, and cyber domains.’
Though Starlink doesn’t operate in China, its satellites still fly over Chinese territory.
That’s enough to trigger alarm among military researchers, who have published dozens of papers on how to track and take down the network.
One study found Starlink could provide constant coverage of key locations like Beijing and Taiwan.
Another highlighted weakness in the system’s supply chain. Some researchers suggested tailing Starlink satellites with Chinese ones, using corrosive substances to damage them or disrupting their solar panels.
Hellbound and Down 