A recent study conducted by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has unveiled a groundbreaking strategy that could potentially disrupt Elon Musk’s ambitious Starlink satellite network. The research, spearheaded by Wang Dan, a professor at the Naval Submarine Academy, suggests that submarines equipped with advanced laser weapons could be deployed to destroy these satellites if China’s national security were at risk, the South China Morning Post reported.
The study, published in the Chinese-language journal Command Control & Simulation, reveals a strategic shift in China’s approach to anti-satellite operations. Traditionally reliant on ground-to-air missiles, the PLA’s new strategy proposes the use of submarines equipped with megawatt-class solid-state laser weapons. These submarines could remain submerged, using a retractable “optoelectronic mast” to fire at satellites before diving back into the depths, thus maintaining their stealth.
“The primary means of anti-satellite operations currently rely on ground-to-air missiles, but this approach has certain issues, mainly in terms of concealment,” Wang Dan and her colleagues stated. The study highlights the inefficiency of using missiles against the Starlink network, given the satellites’ resilience and redundancy, according to SCMP.
ALSO READ: Christina O: The World’s First Superyacht Bought for $34,000, Now Worth $96 Million
Why Target Starlink?
Starlink, a project by SpaceX, aims to provide global internet coverage through a constellation of small satellites. As of June 2024, there are 6,219 Starlink satellites in orbit, with 6,146 actively functioning. The network’s design makes it extremely resilient; even if numerous satellites are destroyed, the system can continue to operate effectively due to its built-in redundancies.
“Satellites like those in the Starlink network are numerous, densely packed, and small in size, making the satellite network extremely resilient. Therefore, using missiles to attack such satellites is highly inefficient,” the study explained.
The study outlines a detailed, step-by-step plan for deploying submarine-based laser weapons against satellites like those in the Starlink constellation.
“First, one or several submarines equipped with laser weapons are deployed to the sea area where the operation is to be conducted. They enter the target sea area according to the command instructions and wait for the satellites to come within their attack range. The time to raise the laser weapon is determined based on the previously acquired satellite overhead time,” said the study.
“When the satellite enters the attackable range, the laser weapon is raised. Due to the limitations of the submarine’s detection equipment, other forces are required to provide satellite position guidance for the submarine to attack the satellite. After the attack is completed, the submarine can submerge and wait for the next mission or return to the home port,” the researchers further said.
ALSO READ: China Develops Superfast Laser-Powered Submarines To Go As Fast As Jet Engine
This strategy not only enhances China’s defense capabilities but also expands the range of missions that can be undertaken by submarine-based laser weapons. The concept of using submarines for anti-satellite operations offers significant advantages in terms of stealth and concealment, addressing the primary challenges faced by traditional missile-based methods.
“Conducting such attacks from the surface is considered too risky due to the long plumes of smoke that can reveal the attacker’s position,” Wang Dan’s team noted. Submarines, on the other hand, can operate covertly, reducing the risk of detection and counterattack.
The potential deployment of submarine-based laser weapons represents a significant development in global military technology and strategy. If implemented, this could lead to a new era of undersea warfare, with nations investing heavily in similar technologies to counter the threat posed by satellite networks.
