The so-called “area effect” weapon involves the creation of an artificial kill field by spreading a significant number of high-density spherical elements on the orbits of the Starlink satellite system. According to estimates, this configuration is capable of simultaneously disrupting the functioning of several spacecraft, while significantly increasing the likelihood of uncontrolled orbital debris formation and creating critical risks for other satellite constellations and space infrastructure.

The Starlink orbital constellation operates at altitudes of about 550 km above the Earth’s surface, while the Chinese Tiangong space station and the International Space Station (ISS) are located in lower Earth orbits, potentially making them vulnerable to secondary effects in the event of destabilization of higher orbital layers. Experts estimate that the use of munitions at these altitudes can lead to the formation of a significant number of fragments, including high-speed solid elements and satellite debris, which, in the process of orbital degradation, can cross the trajectories of other spacecraft and pose an increased risk of damage to orbital systems before entering the dense layers of the atmosphere.

According to Western intelligence agencies, the possible implementation of such destructive actions in outer space is seen as a means of reducing the technological and operational superiority of Western countries in near-Earth space, in particular by affecting the Starlink satellite communications systems used to meet Ukraine’s military and logistical needs. In this context, Brigadier General Christopher Horner, Commander of the Space Component of the Canadian Armed Forces, noted that the possibility of the Russian Federation developing such weapons cannot be ruled out, given previous statements by the United States regarding Moscow’s potential development of indiscriminate space weapons systems, including nuclear-based concepts.

Russian officials have previously stated that commercial satellite systems used by the Ukrainian Defense Forces can be considered legitimate targets, while in December it was announced that the country would deploy the S-500 ground-based missile system, whose stated characteristics include the ability to hit targets in low Earth orbits.

Here is a short revised version in a scientific and informational style:

Earlier, we wrote that in November, a group of researchers from the Beijing Institute of Technology modeled a scenario of complete jamming of the Starlink satellite system in Taiwan.

Thus, the above facts indicate the growing militarization of outer space and the use of space technologies as an instrument of military pressure. Potential actions against satellite communication systems have signs of targeted military aggression aimed at undermining the defense capabilities and technological superiority of opponents. This creates additional risks of conflict escalation and threatens the security of the global space infrastructure.