Space has become a new confrontation field where invisible maneuvers take place hundreds of kilometers above our heads. British military satellites are subject to repeated attacks orchestrated by Russia, according to recent statements from the United Kingdom's Space Command. These hostile space operations take various sophisticated forms that threaten communications and national security.
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General Paul Tedman, head of the UK Space Command, revealed that Russian satellites regularly practice "shadowing" of British spacecraft. This technique involves positioning a satellite in immediate proximity to its target, sometimes only a few kilometers away, to intercept its communications or jam its signals. The affected satellites carry equipment specifically designed to collect sensitive information. This space harassment occurs continuously, with several incidents reported each week, demonstrating a coordinated and persistent strategy from Moscow.
Jamming represents one of the most commonly used methods. It works by emitting signals on the same frequencies used by satellites, creating electromagnetic interference that makes communications impossible. This technique can be deployed from the ground, sea, air, or even from space itself. The advantage of jamming lies in its reversible nature: once the disruptive signal stops, communications can resume normally. However, this temporary interruption can have serious consequences during critical military operations where every second counts.
Lasers constitute another formidable weapon in the space arsenal. These high-power light beams can blind satellites' optical sensors, making their Earth observation impossible. Although this method generally doesn't cause permanent physical damage to satellites, it temporarily neutralizes their surveillance capabilities. The most destructive attack, however, remains the direct-ascent missile, capable of physically destroying a satellite in orbit. These anti-satellite tests generate clouds of space debris that threaten all orbital vehicles for years.
Space cybersecurity represents a major challenge, as demonstrated by the attack on Viasat's Ka-Sat satellite network in February 2022. German researchers recently exposed how hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in open-source software used by space agencies to take control of satellites. This takeover would allow modification of spacecraft orbits by activating their thrusters, or interrupting their essential services. Ground control stations also represent potential targets for disrupting satellite operations.
Facing these multiple threats, the United Kingdom has strengthened its investments in space security. A project to develop anti-laser sensors received funding of £500,000, while the Borealis software platform was designed to monitor and protect British and allied satellites. International cooperation is also intensifying, with a €163 million investment in Eutelsat, a satellite internet provider, and the execution of coordinated maneuvers between the United States and the United Kingdom to mutually inspect their satellites.
Space debris: a growing threat to Earth's orbit
Anti-satellite missile tests generate thousands of fragments that disperse in orbit. This debris, traveling at nearly 28,000 km/h (17,400 mph), becomes extremely dangerous projectiles for all spacecraft.
The Kessler syndrome phenomenon describes a scenario where collisions between debris generate even more fragments, creating an uncontrollable chain reaction. This cascade of collisions could render certain orbits unusable for decades, or even centuries.
Space agencies are currently developing several technologies to face this threat. Ground and space telescopes continuously monitor orbital objects, while experimental laser systems are being tested to disintegrate small debris. "Cleaner" satellites equipped with nets, harpoons, or robotic arms are also in development.
Space debris management represents a major international challenge that requires cooperation between all spacefaring nations. Treaties and regulations are under discussion to impose design standards and end-of-life procedures for all satellites.