NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / World News / China could attack Starlink-like satellites using laser weapon-equipped submarines: Study
    Summarize
    Next Article
    China could attack Starlink-like satellites using laser weapon-equipped submarines: Study
    Chinese submarines with laser weapons threaten low-earth orbit satellites

    China could attack Starlink-like satellites using laser weapon-equipped submarines: Study

    By Akash Pandey
    Jul 20, 2024
    06:45 pm

    What's the story

    A study led by Wang Dan, a professor with the Naval Submarine Academy, China suggests that Chinese submarines equipped with lasers could disable SpaceX's Starlink satellites if China's security was threatened.

    The submarines would use a retractable "optoelectronic mast" to fire at satellites before diving back down.

    The researchers believe this type of laser attack submarine could be mass-produced, and deployed globally to counter military threats to China.

    Stealth approach

    Concealment key to anti-satellite missions

    The primary challenge for anti-satellite missions is not hitting the satellite but concealing the attack, according to Wang's team.

    Traditional ground-to-air missile approaches often leave long trails of smoke and can easily expose one's position.

    The researchers noted that satellites are becoming smaller and more numerous, with SpaceX's Starlink program cited as an example.

    "Even if a significant number of satellites are destroyed, there are redundancies to replace them," they said.

    Laser solution

    Submarine-based laser weapons could solve concealment issues

    The team led by Wang believes that submarine-based laser weapons could solve the issues of concealment and inefficiency in attacking satellites.

    The paper provides comprehensively discusses how to attack Starlink-like satellites at sea.

    The process involves deploying one or several submarines equipped with laser weapons to the target sea area, and waiting for the satellites to come within their attack range.

    Once in range, the laser weapon is raised and fired based on satellite position guidance provided by other forces.

    Space concerns

    Perceiving SpaceX as a potential threat

    Despite China's collaboration with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on electric vehicles, it views his space company as a potential threat.

    This concern was heightened when two Starlink satellites approached the Chinese space station dangerously in 2021.

    Beijing believes that the US could use these inexpensive satellites to target China's costly space assets.

    The Starlink satellites are primarily used for communication, but recent developments suggest they could carry extra payloads for military activities such as reconnaissance and electronic interference.

    Tech advancements

    Accelerated laser weapons research in response to Starlink

    In response to the use of Starlink in the Ukraine war, China has accelerated its research into laser weapons technology.

    Advances include power supply systems that can support high-power, dense launches, compact solid-state lasers capable of transmitting over 10,000W of power with high quality, and technology to synthesize a laser beam using hundreds of optical fibers.

    Versatile use

    Laser-equipped submarines could offer multiple advantages

    Submarines armed with laser weapons could perform a variety of tasks, according to the researchers.

    These include attacking anti-submarine aircraft, deploying in enemy countries' offshore areas for anti-missile tasks, escorting merchant ships or strategic missile submarines, and striking land-based targets like radars.

    They estimated that a 150kW laser weapon on a submarine could damage the photoelectric detection equipment on an anti-submarine aircraft, in one-fifth of a second from more than 20km away.

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    China
    Elon Musk
    SpaceX

    Latest

    Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United, win Europa League title: Stats Tottenham Hotspur FC
    'Good Sex': All about Netflix romcom featuring Natalie Portman-Mark Ruffalo  Mark Ruffalo
    Mitchell Santner floors Delhi Capitals with 3/11: Key stats Mitchell Santner
    IPL 2025, MI beat DC: How the Impact Players fared Indian Premier League (IPL)

    China

    Record $91.4 billion spent on nuclear weapons in 2023 World
    US delegation visits Dalai Lama in Himachal's McLeod Ganj Dalai Lama
    This is why Chinese students are pretending to be birds  World
    Jaguar Land Rover revives Freelander as new EV line Jaguar Land Rover

    Elon Musk

    Tesla shareholders sue CEO Musk over competing AI company, xAI Tesla
    Elon Musk calls for elimination of EVMs, BJP leader responds  Puerto Rico
    Gandhi joins EVM debate after Elon Musk flags hacking risks  Elections
    Explained: Report on EVM 'hacking' in Mumbai triggers row Shiv Sena

    SpaceX

    Alibaba considering reusable rockets for express deliveries across the globe China
    SpaceX gearing up for historic 20th Falcon 9 launch Falcon 9
    SpaceX achieves new milestone with 20th Falcon 9 re-flight Falcon 9
    SpaceX's Starship set to reach new heights for Mars missions Elon Musk
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025