A team of Chinese scientists has created a device that uses explosives to weaken enemy satellites, but without completely destroying them. As reported by The South China Morning Post , the weapon can be inserted into the exhaust nozzle of a satellite and can create a “constant time-controlled explosion” without being detected by rival armies.
The first Hongyan-1 satellite before its launch in 2018
Instead of completely defeating the satellite, it simply damages the inside of the probe because the explosion is controlled , however, this could be mistaken for an engine incident . Furthermore, it is not yet clear how the device would be placed on the satellite.
This method is another way to disable offensive probes without using lasers or missiles because they tend to attract attention, so in the future it could be used on spy ships that can sabotage active satellites that are located in orbit.
Other countries are already building their weapons
China has begun to increase its anti-satellite weapons equipment, therefore, fear has increased in Washington for a possible attack on US orbital spacecraft.
The first tests were carried out in July.
Since the Pentagon of the United States has already begun to gather all the physical force to build another arsenal of weapons to defeat the satellites, on the other hand, Russia does not want to be left behind and also wants to develop its own devices.
It seems that we are experiencing a déjà vu of the Cold War, a country begins to manufacture its weapons and immediately afterwards, the rest of the opposing countries do completely the same – in this way, it is only possible to make the devices increasingly dangerous- .
