Counterspace weapons. Apr 1, 2021 · Counterspace capabilities: The U.
- Counterspace weapons. Apr 25, 2025 · Drawing on eight years of collected data and analyses, this report describes trends in the development, testing, and use of counterspace weapons and enables readers to develop a deeper understanding of threats to U. Mar 21, 2025 · China is practicing “dogfighting” satellites as part of its expanding capabilities in space, according to the United States Space Force, which warned that Washington’s key rivals are closing May 3, 2024 · Global, Space New details emerge of Russia’s potential nuclear space weapon "The United States has been aware of Russia's pursuit of this sort of capability dating back years, but only recently Apr 12, 2022 · The Defense Intelligence Agency released the new unclassified report which examines the space and counterspace programs that could pose significant challenges to U. Gen Stephen Whiting, the head of the US Space Command, said Beijing Apr 12, 2018 · While North Korea’s space and counterspace capabilities are limited, it has made substantial progress developing its missile, jamming, and cyber capabilities. Oct 28, 2019 · There are four distinct categories of counterspace weapons: kinetic physical, non-kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber. space superiority According to the CSIS 2021 Space Threat Assessment , which type of counterspace weapons are "difficult to detect or distinguish from accidental interference, making attribution and awareness more difficult"? Dec 11, 2023 · The counterspace weapons deployed to PLA Theater Commands (TCs), and the ease with which TC commanders can task the weapon operators, potentially indicates which type of attacks the U. 10,11 The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction on orbit and on any celestial body and it Aug 27, 2024 · That includes a plan for fielding offensive and defensive systems, known as counterspace weapons. and allied forces could encounter first. First, China is bolstering space deterrence through offensive weapons, as well as more resilient and redundant space Apr 14, 2023 · Global, Space As counterspace weapons ‘proliferate,’ the new cold war for space races forward: studies A pair of studies, one from the Secure World Foundation and one from the Center for Sep 11, 2024 · Congressional Research Service 2 Types of Counterspace Weapons • Kinetic counterspace weapons strike a satellite with physical force. “On May 16, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit,” said U. Space Command to develop more offensive counterspace weapons of its own to deter China and Russia from using their growing arsenals. Apr 1, 2021 · Counterspace capabilities: The U. Non-kinetic counterspace weapons can be stationed on ground, maritime, or airborne platforms and used to affect the operation of satellites or the sensors they carry, without making physical contact. Counterspace weapons also difer in how they are employed and how dificult they are to detect and attribute. Nov 1, 2024 · Yet details on what kinds of weapons they want remain scarce, and the implications of a space war still gave some officials pause when discussing counterspace and space dominance—reflecting a persistent tension between deterrence, classification, and deep-rooted fears of weaponizing space. Chance Saltzman’s comments came during the Air & Space Forces Association’s 2025 Warfare Symposium last week. national security interests in space TYPES OF COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS This is the metadata section. posture toward space weapons and operations. Counterspace weapons vary significantly in the types of efects they create, how they are deployed, how easy they are to detect and attribute, and the level of technology and resources n. Apr 2, 2024 · WASHINGTON — The Secure World Foundation on April 2 released its annual report, " Global Counterspace Capabilities: An Open Source Assessment,” that sheds light on the growing space arms race Jun 27, 2023 · Space is a warfighting domain, and the Space Force needs counterspace weapons to ensure space superiority, a new research paper argues. According to the CSIS 2021 Space Threat Assessment , which type of counterspace weapons are "difficult to detect or distinguish from accidental interference, making attribution and awareness more difficult"? May 22, 2024 · Russia’s Kremlin has denied claims by the Pentagon that it has launched a “counterspace weapon” into orbit, amid fears of a growing space war. May 21, 2024 · WASHINGTON — The U. Their proposals do not address many space warfare capabilities, and they lack verification mechanisms, which provides room for China and Russia to continue to develop counterspace weapons. CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. Questions: 1. The U. Jun 13, 2022 · Russia has a long history of developing space weapons. Jan 28, 2021 · Spacefaring states have claimed to support the prevention of an arms race in outer space, yet some of them have continued to develop and test counterspace capabilities, COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS Illustration A ballistic missile can be used as a kinetic physical counterspace weapon. assets in orbit. May 30, 2024 · Russia recently launched a satellite that is "likely a counterspace weapon," a U. It also analyzes several key events, including the 2021 Russian ASAT test, the supposed Chinese FOBS test, and Russian jamming in Ukraine. The strategic importance of space has led some na-tions to build arsenals of counterspace weapons to disrupt, degrade, or destroy space systems and hold at risk the ability of ot May 20, 2024 · Russian interest in space-based radio frequency weapons is evident from an essay on counterspace systems published in the leading military journal Voyennaya mysl last year. S. The country has tested direct-ascent ASAT weapons, on-orbit robotics, and remote proximity operations. We argue that these conflicting trends have afected China’s counter-space posture in two main ways. New Study: US Needs Counterspace Weapons for Space Superiority Air & Space Forces Magazine Building US Space Force’s Counterspace Capabilities Air & Space Forces Magazine ‘Stop debating’ over space weapons and prepare for conflict: Space Force general Breaking Defense U. S Feb 25, 2021 · The proliferation of counterspace weapons across the globe often calls into question what can be done to best protect satellites from attack. ” Apr 12, 2018 · Arguably the fastest rising power in space, China has made rapid progress in developing both its space and counterspace capabilities. Kinetic weapons include DA-ASAT weapons, which are missiles shot from the ground or the air, and co-orbital (or space-based) ASAT weapons that destroy a satellite from space. Aug 24, 2021 · Some history on counterspace weapons is needed, because there is some reason to believe the program that could be unveiled shortly had its gestation in the administration of George W. Apr 1, 2021 · This report reviews the open-source information available on the counterspace capabilities developed in the past year that can threaten U. COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS Illustration A ballistic missile can be used as a kinetic phys-ical counterspace weapon. The FY2020 NDAA established the Space Force and the current iteration of Space Command (SPACECOM) in 2019. Kinetic weapons also may strike satellite infrastructure, such as ground control Jan 24, 2025 · Little is publicly known about U. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Thankfully, we still have yet to see use of destructive anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons in an armed conflict. May 22, 2024 · “On May 16, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit Aug 31, 2023 · Space Norms plus counterspace weapons: RAND recommends holistic strategy to deter space attack "The prospects for complete success in deterrence of hostile attacks on space assets, particularly TYPES OF COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS economic and military power. Counterspace weapons also difer in how they are employed and how dificult they Apr 11, 2018 · Counterspace Weapons 101 For a more brief description of the four categories of counterspace weapons used in this report, check out Aerospace 101. Apr 17, 2024 · CSIS releases annual assessment of global trends in the weaponization of space ‘It’s surprising how many counterspace activities happen right under our noses’ by Sandra Erwin April 17, 2024 The 2023 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. Space Force’s top officer has provided an unusually detailed description of a vision for future counter-space capabilities and priorities in that regard — as well as the kinds of threats that the service faces. Jul 24, 2023 · Such threats have led some experts like retired Col. China has already fielded an alarming array of operational counterspace weaponry, including an arsenal of ground-launched missiles carrying anti-satellite kinetic kill vehicles, ground-based electronic warfare capabilities, and satellites capable of attacking U. Reports indicate that China is also developing and testing directed-energy and jamming technologies. Many different counterspace systems are either in development or are operational today. This resource for policymakers and the public leverages open-source information to assess key developments in foreign counterspace weapons. Dec 19, 2024 · Outgoing Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall warns that the service needs to develop and field counterspace capabilities at a faster pace. This le, and impor e is being increasingly militarized. government accused Russia of placing a space weapon into the orbital path of one of its satellites. officials said, further increasing tensions between the two countries in space. Drawing on six years of collected data and analyses, this series describes trends in the development, testing, and use of counterspace weapons and enables readers to develop a deeper understanding of threats to U. Skip to content viewer section. has demonstrated technologies that could form a co-orbital anti-satellite weapon and has demonstrated its ship-based anti-ballistic missile interceptor against a satellite. Apr 17, 2024 · The 2024 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. May 12, 2025 · Networks & Digital Warfare, Space EXCLUSIVE: US loosens some rules for offensive counterspace ops, wargaming Some decision-making authorities, previously closely held by the president or secretary Aug 1, 2022 · The ambiguity of RPO for in-orbit servicing and a counterspace weapons lies in the fact that the onboard tracking and guidance could be used to collide with another satellite to damage or destroy it. capabilities in space. Space Command Looks to Accelerate Enhancement of Space Domain Awareness Defense Daily Space Force insufficiently Mar 30, 2020 · Counterspace Weapons 101 For a brief description of the four categories of counterspace weapons used in this report, see our Aerospace 101 series. First, China is bolstering space deterrence through ofensive weapons, as well as more resilient and redundant space Apr 3, 2025 · China is rapidly building out its arsenal of counterspace weapons: everything from ground-based lasers to satellites that can grab other satellites, all of which pose a “grave threat” to the U Feb 26, 2021 · CSIS released a new study called “Defense Against the Dark Arts in Space: Protecting Space Systems from Counterspace Weapons. We argue that these conflicting trends have affected China’s counterspace posture in two main ways. Apr 14, 2023 · This resource for policymakers and the public leverages open-source information to assess key developments in foreign counterspace weapons. Saltzman began by Apr 17, 2024 · Each report in this series catalogs yearly trends, uses, and advancements of counterspace weapons and enablers to provide policymakers and the public with accessible insights into the global space threat landscape. The use of counterspace capabilities as seen in the Ukraine conflict is an unfortunate example of one of the potential scenarios that prompted SWF to publish the first edition of our Global Counterspace Capabilities report back in 2018. Some nations have developed, tested, and deployed various sate lites and some counterspace weapons. Counterspace weapons, particularly those that produce orbital debris, pose a serious risk to the space environment and the ability of all nations to use the space domain for prosperity and security. This analysis from the CSIS Aerospace Security Project addresses different methods and technologies that can be used by the United States government, and others, to deter adversaries from attack. Apr 3, 2025 · HELSINKI — China is rapidly advancing a broad spectrum of counterspace capabilities as part of a sustained push to secure military power in orbit, according to a new report. commanders to use space most effectively for joint operations. Apr 8, 2019 · This assessment looks at the four categories of counterspace weapons– kinetic physical, non-kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber–in conjunction with the four countries that pose the greatest threat to United States airspace: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It also features an in-depth analysis of Russia's battlefield employment of counterspace weapons in Ukraine. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? Non-kinetic weapons disrupt or degrade the ability of satellites to function properly. Beijing and May 13, 2024 · Russian research on space nukes and alternative counterspace weapons (part 1) by Bart Hendrickx Monday, May 13, 2024 Apr 12, 2024 · An Enterprise-wide common operating picture and C2 structure. Observers Aug 27, 2024 · ABSTRACT China is developing counterspace capabilities which may threaten US space systems. counterspace capabilities, it would be difficult to assess the global counterspace landscape without noting the evolving U. However, this outcome is not realistic, even with the assumption that there would be a satisfactory way to define counterspace weapons, which has proven elusive to date. Most of these capabilities are classified, but options range from cyber or electronic warfare We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. diplomat and the Pentagon said last week, raising new allegations that Russia is weaponizing space. believes Russia has developed anti-satellite satellites, or “counterspace Apr 4, 2022 · New reports from the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Secure World Foundation survey global counterspace capabilities and point to an increase in the development and use of counterspace weapons. Kinetic weapons include DA-ASAT weapons, which are missiles shot from the ground or the air, and co- orbital (or space-based) ASAT weapons that destroy a satellite from space. Apr 4, 2022 · The 2022 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. Mar 30, 2020 · Air Warfare, Space Satellite Attack Potential Increases: CSIS, SWF "Russia has become one of the world’s greatest perpetrators of electronic counterspace warfare, jamming and spoofing PNT and May 30, 2024 · The U. Jun 29, 2022 · China’s non-kinetic physical anti-satellite weapons, including DEWs, will play a critical part in future warfare. Chance Saltzman on March 20 said that the service is is looking at how best to invest in six categories of counterspace weapon systems to support its priority Sep 11, 2024 · Kinetic counterspace weapons strike a satellite with physical force. Mar 31, 2021 · This timeline of counterspace weapons data is comprised of tests, technology demonstrations, and unusual behaviors from 1945-2021. A wide array of counterspace weapons are available to potential adversaries that vary in the types of efects they create, the level of technological sophistication, and the resources required to develop and field them. Apr 28, 2025 · Although the 2025 Space Threat Assessment report has not traditionally addressed U. Not doing so limits the freedom of U. It has demonstrated a capability to kinetically intercept satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) from space and more recently from the ground in late 2021. space May 21, 2024 · Russia launched a counterspace weapon into the same orbit as a U. The efects of these weapons can also be May 25, 2025 · The DIA further reports that Russia has already developed and in some cases deployed non-nuclear counterspace weapons, including lasers, a ground-launched antisatellite missile, and electronic warfare systems. . Decades ago, the US and the Soviet Union vied for technologies to knock-out Dec 14, 2022 · Question 2 10 / 10 pts According to the CSIS 2021 Space Threat Assessment, which type of counterspace weapons are "difficult to detect or distinguish from accidental interference, making attribution and awareness more difficult"? The PRC’s counterspace weapons programs seek to provide options for destructive and ive disruption of our systems in all orbits through pid fielding of new ground- and space-based antisatellite wea deployed several satellites, at least some of which could function as a weapon, that could pose t limit weaponization of space. Russia can conduct radiofrequency (RF) jamming from mobile platforms against communication satellites in LEO. Apr 20, 2022 · Please join CSIS's Aerospace Security Project and the Secure World Foundation as they discuss tracking developments in counterspace weapons. counterspace capabilities and operations — the military use of weapons in space — but senior defense and military officials have made clear their goal to be Sep 11, 2024 · Disclaimer: These documents were prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). 美·战略与国际研究中心 (CSIS)2021年2月26日发布一份新的研究报告，名为《黑魔法太空防御术：保护太空系统免受太空武器的打击》【《Defense Against the Dark Arts in Space: Protecting Space Systems from Counterspace Weapons》】。 Jun 18, 2025 · Military authorities to take counterspace actions should be broadened and delegated to the tactical level, allowing for the development of space rules of engagement. Apr 26, 2023 · Russia is developing, testing and fielding its own counterspace systems, including ground-based and space-based kinetic anti-satellite weapons. ABSTRACT China is developing counterspace capabilities which may threaten US space systems. government satellite on May 16, U. Dec 29, 2024 · According to doctrine, pursuing the four space operations functions successfully is the basis for ____________. Jun 22, 2025 · Secure World Foundation's 2025 Global Counterspace Capabilities Report warns of rising global investment in space weapons. It also features analysis on the normalization of deviance on orbit and a look into coalitions of convenience that are being formed. Each report in this series catalogs yearly developments, uses, and advancements of counterspace weapons and enablers to provide policymakers and the public with accessible insights into the g Apr 8, 2025 · For example, Space Force chief Gen. space systems and which countries are developing such systems. 8 Present counterspace weapons may be classified as Earth- space/direct- ascent (launched from land, air, or sea), and space- space/co- orbital (placed and maneuvered in or-bit According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, foreign governments, primarily China and Russia, have developed counterspace weapons that may challenge U. China and Russia are developing new space systems to improve their military efectiveness and reduce any reliance on U. A single, integrated architecture overseen by a single warfighting commander. Decades ago, the US and the Soviet Union vied for technologies to knock-out Aug 31, 2023 · Given the decades of relative neglect in the area of space weapons, the Space Force will need to be able to leverage technologies and lessons learned from industry and other domain acquisition programs in order to accelerate counterspace weapons development. national security interests in space. At the same time, its increasing space dependence encourages restraint in warfare. space systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). or partner interests, John F. government satellite. Mar 21, 2025 · China is practicing “dogfighting” satellites as part of its expanding capabilities in space, according to the United States Space Force, which warned that Washington’s key rivals are closing The strategic importance of counterspace weapons for spacepower nations is common knowledge for the USAF, DoD, and US civilian national security deci-sionmakers, yet not quite evident in other space- faring nations where the counter-space mission is still largely neglected or insuficiently addressed. types of counterspace weapons. Apr 21, 2025 · This illustration created for the Space-Based Weapons section of the “Competing in Space” unclassified report depicts space-based anti-satellite systems that target other space systems. Apr 3, 2025 · The big three space powers over the past year have made headway on counterspace weapons using technologies ranging from radio frequency jamming to potentially even nuclear explosions (here’s Types of Counterspace Weapons Kinetic counterspace weapons strike a satellite with physical force. Jun 28, 2024 · Arguably, an international agreement that bans all nations from possessing counterspace weapons would be the best way to preserve the safety and security of space. Charles Galbreath, senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, to advocate for the Space Force and U. Drawing on eight years of collected data and analyses, this report describes trends in the development, testing, and use of counterspace weapons and enables readers […] Mar 24, 2025 · This tool presents systems in low earth orbit (LEO) that are operated by a government, military, or commercial entity in China, Russia, or the United States; weapons designed to attack LEO systems; and launch vehicles to reach LEO. Apr 25, 2025 · Welcome to the 2025 Space Threat Assessment by the Aerospace Security Project. "These are aimed at degrading and denying U. May 27, 2024 · Counterspace race The idea of weapons aimed at or positioned in space remains highly controversial, but it isn’t new. Apr 1, 2018 · TYPES OF COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS significantly in the types of COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS CAN VARY efects they create, the level of technological sophistication re-quired to conceive them, and the level of resources needed to de-velop and deploy them. Russia’s activities in space also included a 2024 test of a space-based antisatellite weapon conducted near a U. Bush — or Apr 24, 2024 · China is developing anti-satellite weapons as part of a “breathtaking” military expansion, US defence experts have warned. The weapons used for OCS or DCS operations are generally called counterspace weapons and cat-egorized as kinetic physical, non- kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber. Feb 26, 2021 · This analysis addresses different methods and technologies that can be used by the US and others, to protect against or deter adversarial attacks via counterspace weapons. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS Jun 28, 2024 · Arguably, an international agreement that bans all nations from possessing counterspace weapons would be the best way to preserve the safety and security of space. Counterspace weapons vary significantly in the types of efects they create, how they are deployed, how Apr 4, 2022 · This assessment uses open-source information to track the developments of counterspace weapons that threaten U. This chapter provides an overview and taxonomy for diferent types of counterspace weapons. n counterspace capabilities. Apr 12, 2022 · As for counterspace weapons, DIA notes that while the PLA’s “operational ground-based ASAT missile system is intended to target” satellites in Low Earth Orbit (where many intelligence Mar 11, 2025 · The U. Concepts for space-based anti-satellite systems vary widely and include designs to deliver reversible and irreversible counterspace effects. Additionally, it can use ground-based lasers to dazzle satellites in LEO. Counterspace weapons are not just limited to the handful of examples cited by the vice president. Dec 11, 2023 · The weapons discussed in this report include: Direct Assent Antisatellite Missiles, Directed Energy Counterspace Weapons, Terrestrially based satellite electronic jammers, Space based grappling counterspace weapons, Offensive cyber counterspace weapons, Space based satellite electronic jammers. North Korea’s missile technology clearly aligns with its strive to become a nuclear power; its jamming and cyberattack capabilities tend to be more accessible and lower-tech than some counterspace weapons. government claims that a recently launched Russian satellite is a counterspace weapon placed in nearly the same orbit as an American reconnaissance satellite. kwsd jbvugp rqqbb wqhytdnm gmvsev umqs cybtfq stjo qjaznq clfvftk