Battle Field 1
Despite the fact that all attention is now focused on the fighting underway in Ukraine, the main events in the field of armed confrontation between the world's leading powers are taking place not on Earth, but in space, where the military or dual usage of satellite constellations are deployed 1 by one.
We can item the most crucial projects that have already been implemented and are inactive being implemented:
– constellation of satellites for Earth distant sensing in the radar waves of Capella Space – read radar designation satellites;
– Inspectorial satellites “Shakal” of private American company actual Anomaly, more specifically a killing satellite, an orbital anti-satellite weapon that is not specifically hidden;
– well-known SpaceX's Starlink communications satellite network, the possible for which could possibly go far beyond the declared scope;
– a constellation of military satellites Silent Barker – an orbital space control system, independent of the infrastructure on the planet's surface;
– a network of HBTSS and PWSA satellites, formally designed to track hypersonic weapons, but possibly capable of tracking all air targets with powerful jet engines (turbojets), clearly visible in the infrared range.
This is only the beginning – a tiny part of those systems that will be deployed in space as the cost of carrying the cargo out into orbit by countries with access to carrier vehicles (LV) partially or full reusable, as well as technologies for large-scale production of spacecraft.
Sometimes any constellations of satellites, among those mentioned above, are considered civil, sometimes even their owners believe it, although it is not actual at all, due to the fact that if something can be utilized as a weapon, it will be utilized as a weapon, the same commercial teledetection services are widely utilized during the war in Ukraine, frequently by both parties, regardless of the political affiliation of the service.
Someone may build the best carrier in the world, dreaming of colonizing Mars, but at any beautiful point, people from the U.S. government will come to his office and say: “...go, man, rest, now serious guests will take care of it, ” after which the super-heavy rockets will begin to transport no colonists into orbit at all, and of course they will not engage in colonization at all if by colonization we do not realize the acquisition of resources and territories on Earth.
But our guy isn't stupid, and he's happy to make contact with guys who aren't besides curious in utilizing civilian infrastructure, they want their own blackjack and another entertainment, and they're fine with the money.
Starship/Super dense may revolutionize space exploration, but it poses a serious military threat to us. Photo: SpaceX
As everyone knows, this is not hidden, the Starlink communications network satellites are actively utilized by our enemies during the war effort in Ukraine, which is typical, Starlink communication is besides utilized by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces), although unofficially, although the United States has stated that this anticipation has been stopped.
Apparently, the U.S. military is not entirely satisfied with the capabilities provided by the Starlink satellite network, but the Pentagon could not find an alternate to its manufacturer, SpaceX, so it seems rather logical that it was SpaceX that ordered the US Armed Forces to have the fresh low orbit satellite constellation, but it was not limited only to the US Armed Forces communications, the fresh satellites would besides execute exploratory functions;
The fresh constellation of satellites deployed by SpaceX in the interests of the US Armed Forces is named Starshield.
‘Star Shield’
The first prototypes of the Starshield satellite household were developed for the American Space improvement Agency and launched in 2020. They are most likely equipped with modern infrared (IR) cameras – thermovision cameras designed to track ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The creator and maker of thermal cameras is Leidos.
A full of 12 prototypes and operational satellites were launched from 2020 to March 2024 with a Falcon 9 carrier rocket with various Starshield loads.
According to Reuters, these satellites have never been recognized by SpaceX or the U.S. government and stay classified, although that may not be the case anymore.
Starshield's name was publically announced in December 2022
In 2021, a secret deal worth $1.8 billion was concluded between SpaceX and the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) for the development, production and deployment of a satellite network called Starshield, of which the public only learned in 2023. Starshield satellites are created in cooperation with Northrop Grumman. Starshield's reconnaissance capabilities are believed to well exceed those of the US Armed Forces.
Under the contract, hundreds of spy satellites will be produced and deployed to continuously detect and track targets worldwide in real time. It is planned that the Starshield satellite network will be put into service in May 2024, starting with the NROL-146 satellite, but it cannot be excluded that any prototypes and operational satellites from the Starshield network already function and are utilized in combat mode, for example for the issuance of directional data to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Forces).
Since 2021, the improvement of SpaceX satellites has been supervised by retired four-star General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, who has reportedly played a leading function in the creation of Starshield.
Starshield satellite constructions are based on the constructions previously implemented in Starlink's "civil" satellites; the word "civil" is deliberately placed in quotes, as even Starlink's satellites can and are actively utilized for military purposes, and it is possible that their functionality is much wider than what we have already stated.
In particular, Starshield satellites will usage direct laser communication channels, as is presently being implemented on Starlink satellites. Starlink satellites usage comprehensive encryption for data transmission, and Starshield satellites will be equipped with additional highly safe cryptographic features for safe processing and transfer of delicate data.
The Starshield strategy must have a "flexible" configuration; its satellites must be able to rapidly integrate the various cargo options ordered by US government agencies.
Starshield satellites will be launched in clusters, as will Starlink satellites
So the main features of Starshield:
– connectivity – global access utilizing military cryptographic protocols;
– reflection – distant sensing of the surface of the planet in advanced resolution, most likely only in infrared spectrum, with real-time data transmission;
– cargo on request – the ability to install cargo on Starshield satellites by various government operators.
It can be assumed that the Starshield satellite network will become ultrauniversal and will include thermal imaging satellites, optical designation in the scope of visible waves, electronic designation satellites (RTRs) and much more.
Now on the SpaceX page appeared data on the Starshield satellite network, so they say (automatic translation):
‘Safe satellite network for government agencies
Starshield uses Starlink technology and SpaceX launch capabilities to support national safety efforts. Although Starlink is intended for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, initially focusing on 3 areas:
– Earth observation
Starshield launches satellites with sensor loads and provides processed data straight to the user.
– Communication
Starshield provides guaranteed global connectivity to government users utilizing Starshield's equipment.
– Placed loads
Starshield produces satellite buses to service the most demanding customers in terms of payload.
– safety
Starlink already offers unprecedented, comprehensive user data encryption. Starshield uses advanced high-tenacity cryptographic capabilities to store delicate loads and safe data processing while complying with the most stringent government regulations.
– modular design
Designed to meet a variety of mission requirements, Starshield satellites are able to integrate a wide scope of loads, offering users exceptional versatility.
– compliance
The inter-satellite Starlink laser communication terminal, which is presently the only communication laser presently operating on specified a scale, can be integrated into partner satellites to let it to be incorporated into the Starshield network.
– fast improvement and implementation
Thanks to its proven ability to fast iteration, the unique, comprehensive approach of SpaceX to make comprehensive systems, from carrier vehicles to user terminals, allows the implementation of large-scale functions with unprecedented speed.
– stableness and scalability
The joint Starshield architecture in low Earth orbit provides inherent resilience and constant connectivity with resources in orbit, while the proven speedy SpaceX launch capabilities supply fast and cost-effective access to space.
– proven partnership
The ongoing cooperation of SpaceX with the Department of defence and another partners shows our ability to supply large-scale space and ground capabilities.
Image of unknown satellite from SpaceX Starshield section
Risks and prospects
Starshield is simply a threat, very serious and very real. Events in orbit are developing much faster than expected – there is simply a space race going on, much more dangerous than in the Cold War – then there was simply no technology that would make space so dangerous, the full conflict of the "Nanai boys" between the US and the USSR was alternatively a substance of ideology, prestige, superiority of communism or capitalism.
Now everything is different, space truly becomes the leading arena of battles, a battlefield that separates “wheat from chaff”, a superpower from all others.
Without the advantage and parity in space, failure is almost inevitable, as a weapon based on orbital infrastructure will supply a decisive advantage.
But the strike weapon will shortly be launched into orbit; it seemed to be a substance of decades, and now it may turn out that the United States will meet the five-year deadline?
Is there any way to alleviate this problem?
Nope.
Provide only equality or superiority.
Of course, we can shoot down American satellites, we can even deploy Reaper satellites in orbit that are able to shoot down enemy spacecraft in low orbit.
Reaper Satellite Concept
The problem is that the United States and I are in a "no peace, no war" situation – we did not shoot down their satellites, they did not shoot down ours, we did not shoot down their military bases and did not sink ships and do not attack our military bases and ships, but at the same time supply Ukraine with comprehensive information support, as a consequence of which our military bases attack, they sank our ships and how do they respond to this?
Why not just shoot down satellites now, but at least their unmanned reconnaissance aircraft (UAVs)?
Already American satellites are transmitting targets to Ukraine for maneuvering missiles and UAV long-range kamikazes, but what happens next?
What if the mark is picked up in real time, for absolutely all mark in the affected area of HIMARS, ATACMS or JASSM-ER rockets within seconds of its detection, and the detection becomes almost inevitable?
Target detection is not so bad, due to the fact that promising long-range weapons warrant the receipt of satellite communication systems that let you to re-trace in flight – this is besides inevitable. If we track the targets in real time and our long-range weapons can be traced in flight, we will be able, for example, to harm tanks or launchers (PUs) of OTRK systems already on the route, where they are deep behind.
We have late considered this issue with respect to the problem of demolition of air targets deep behind, in the material "Anti-aircraft Weapons (AA): a ground throw of a "dispersed thinker", while at the same time developing an anti-aircraft rocket up to 2,000 kilometres in China, but the trajectory of this rocket will, of course, be adapted by Chinese satellites.
Conclusion
We are entering a fresh era of military confrontation, erstwhile the situation “there is no peace, there is no war” will become the norm, we will be attacked without being attacked, we will endure losses without taking a direct fight with the enemy.
Space infrastructure will be crucial – of large importance – to guarantee triumph on the battlefield. We request partially and full reusable rockets of different classes, as well as technology for the assembly of satellite conveyors and another spacecraft for different purposes.
It seems that work is going on in this direction, but it needs not only to be accelerated, but to "push the pedal of gas to the floor", otherwise we can start to endure very large losses without being able to react.
Written by Andrei Mitrofanov
SOURCE:
https://topwar.ru/242709-ilon-mask-stroit-zvezdnyj-schit-spacex-formiruet-novu-gruppirovku-sputnikov-starshield-po-zabaz-pentagona.html
(PL)
