China Simulates Starlink Attacks Amid PLA Concerns
Concerns are growing about China’s space military moves and the chance of future conflict in orbit. In response, Chinese researchers have simulated an attack on Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network. The simulation targeted the entire Starlink constellation to test its vulnerabilities. The South China Morning Post claims that the study indicates Starlink might not be as safe as previously thought.
A research paper on the simulation, led by Wu Yunhua from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, was published in the Chinese academic journal Systems Engineering and Electronics on January 3.
Just 99 Chinese satellites could effectively approach approximately 1,400 Starlink satellites in around 12 hours, according to the computer simulation. China might equip these satellites with lasers, microwaves, and other technologies for tracking, reconnaissance, and other tasks.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Starlink megaconstellation. Recently, the militarisation of space has increased, posing a serious threat to China’s space security. “It is critical to monitor its operational status,” stated the project team. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s then-deputy prime minister, requested Elon Musk via Twitter to activate SpaceX’s Starlink for Ukraine shortly after Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022.
Musk quickly responded, tweeting, “Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.” The system offers a quicker internet connection by linking portable user terminals to low-orbit satellites. The success of this satellite service proved so influential on the battlefield that Moscow had to adjust its strategies to detect and counter Starlink signals.
Serious Challenges
This situation has caused concern for China. China views Taiwan as a separate province and has promised to unify it with the mainland. However, Taiwan’s access to the Starlink satellite network could significantly hinder any military actions against it.
For instance, in May 2024, Chinese researchers warned that China would face “serious challenges” in managing the Starlink network, which could support US military assistance to Taiwan during conflicts in the Taiwan Strait.
The report, titled “Analysis of the Influence of the Starlink Constellation on China’s Territory and Its Surrounding Space Domain,”, noted that those involved in regional operations in sensitive areas “must consider” the “spatial domain impact” of Starlink services.
China has also created its version of Starlink. The Qianfan mega-constellation project, also referred to as G60, started in 2023. China plans to deploy over 15,000 low-Earth orbit (LEO) multimedia satellites as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink. The initial launch of satellites for the Qianfan project took place in August 2024.
Nonetheless, the recent simulation operation aimed at targeting Starlink satellites indicates that China not only wants to compete with Musk’s satellite network but might also consider aggressive actions against it if it becomes a
threat. The report, titled “Analysis of the Influence of the Starlink Constellation on China’s Territory and its Surrounding Space Domain”, emphasises that those involved in regional operations in critical areas “should be aware” of the “spatial domain impact” of Starlink services.
SpaceX’s Starlink
China’s multimedia satellites are becoming a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink. The first group of satellites for the Qianfan project was launched in August 2024. Recent simulations show that China is not just competing with Elon Musk’s satellite system but might also see it as a threat worth going to war over.
An SCMP report stated, “Tracking such a large constellation with few satellites was thought impossible due to complex orbital calculations that are difficult to implement quickly.” There are also practical military challenges that Wu and his team need to face. For instance, Chinese satellites must be close enough for detection systems to work well for at least 10 seconds and far enough from Starlink satellites to prevent any accidents.
This task is tricky due to the different manoeuvre times required for each satellite, which complicates the orbital calculations. The report added that “Lasers and other devices use a lot of power, so scientists had to plan enough sun-facing charging.”
Wu’s team believes that they have created new technology that allows ground control computers to make precise action plans in under two minutes. Chinese satellites could “hunt” Starlink by mimicking whale behaviour thanks to a new binary AI system they developed. “Whales work together in large waters to gather fish quickly to conserve energy.”
Low Earth Orbit
The report also mentioned that China is working on new interceptor satellites equipped with weapons designed to disable enemy satellites with minimal debris. Experts have warned that satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) can be targets for directed-energy weapons like powerful lasers and microwave systems. China has been enhancing its tactics and weaponry to counter Starlink if tensions arise in the Taiwan Strait.
After observing SpaceX’s effective use of Starlink in Ukraine against Russia, experts indicated that China’s military is accelerating the development of high-power microwave weapons. In March 2023, researchers developed a compact power source that could significantly shrink the size of a high-power microwave weapon designed to target Starlink satellites.
In July 2024, PLA researchers said submarines could use lasers to destroy Starlink if China felt threatened. They claimed these subs could fire from underwater using a powerful megawatt-class laser. After firing, the sub would retract its optoelectronic mast and quietly return to the sea floor. A step-by-step guide was issued on how to eliminate Starlink satellites, as reported by the Eurasian Times.
Conclusion
A Chinese study previously cautioned against targeting Starlink satellites if they pose a threat to national security. Ren Yuanzhen from Beijing’s Institute of Tracking and Telecommunications led the research. It suggested using both soft and powerful methods to disable specific Starlink satellites.
The findings were published in Modern Defence Technology, a respected Chinese military journal. These actions have raised alarms at the Pentagon about China’s growing anti-satellite capabilities. They also highlight the rising risk of space becoming a future battleground.
Ben Lewis, a defense analyst, says the situation deserves close attention. He tracks China’s military growth and Taiwan’s security closely. He noted Starlink’s huge value during the war in Ukraine. China worries that Starlink could aid Taiwan or U.S. forces in a future Taiwan conflict. He added that China’s public focus on Starlink shows how seriously they view the threat. Possessing weapons to disable it proves they’re planning for all possibilities.
References
- South China Morning Post—China Simulates Attack on Starlink Satellites
- EurAsian Times – China’s Anti-Satellite Weaponry and Starlink Concerns
- Defense News Today – China’s Qianfan Mega-Constellation vs Starlink
