US Space Warfare & Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Capabilities

Why in News?

Recently, the US has confirmed it deployed a space weapon in Earth's orbit, the first time it has acknowledged such offensive capabilities.

Anti-Satellite (ASAT) and Counter-Space Capabilities

• ASAT weapons and capabilities are intended to disrupt, disable, damage, or destroy satellites.
• Potential methods of counter-space operations include the following:
  • Kinetic attacks – Physically striking a satellite.
  • Electronic warfare – Jamming or disrupting satellite signals.
  • Cyber operations – Compromising satellite systems.
  • Directed-energy systems – Using technologies such as lasers.
  • Co-orbital systems – Manoeuvrable spacecraft that can approach or interfere with other satellites.

Outer Space Treaty, 1967

• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST) prohibits the placement of the following categories of weapons:
  • Nuclear weapons
  • Other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)
    in orbit around Earth or stationing them in outer space.
• However, the treaty does not establish a comprehensive ban on all categories of weapons or military operations in outer space.
• Consequently, states may develop certain counter-space or 4 anti-satellite capabilities without violating the treaty's specific restrictions on weapons of mass destruction.

United States Space Force

• It is the first new branch of the United States military established in over 70 years.
• Established in 2019.
• Objectives – To protect United States space assets and interests.
• Key assets include satellites that support the following functions:
  • Communication
  • Surveillance
  • Navigation
  • Military operations.

Reference

BBC | Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Capabilities