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Solar storm loss of SpaceX satellites highlights EMP threat



Some 40 satellites recently launched as part of a new Starlink internet communications system have been damaged by a solar geomagnetic storm and are expected to fall to Earth and burn up in the atmosphere. Space XThe manufacturer of the systems announced on Tuesday.

According to security analysts, the loss of the satellites highlights the vulnerability of American civil and military space systems to the harmful effects of a possible electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack.

Starlink is a global network of low-Earth orbit satellites that provide high-speed broadband internet service. Space XCommercial space company headed by Elon Musk.

“The loss of 40 Starlink satellites to a recent geomagnetic storm should be another wake-up call to Washington about the existential threat from a solar superstorm,” said Peter Pry, a former CIA official and advocate for EMP and defense against EMP. . solar storms.

Mr Pry, who attended a congressional EMP commission a few years ago, said the last geomagnetic storm was not a superstorm like the one that occurred in 1859 before the electronic age following a solar flare called the “Carrington Event.”

“The EMP Commission has warned that such a storm could potentially damage many civilian and military satellites that are crucial to the country’s economy and national security, as well as cause natural EMP/geomagnetic disturbance effects that could crash power grids and cause a prolonged nationwide power outage. . ‘ said Mr Pry.

The recent EMP Commission has urged the US government and private sector to strengthen satellites, power grids and other critical life-sustaining infrastructures to prevent a national disaster.

In July, China conducted a test of a polar orbiting hypersonic glide vehicle that US officials say could be used as a special nuclear attack weapon from space. Alternatively, the vehicle could initiate an electronic jamming nuclear explosion at a speed that would interfere with satellite communications and navigation.

Michael J. Listner, head of Space Law and Policy Solutions, a think tank, said China’s launch of nuclear weapons in space is a credible threat, and Starlink’s satellite losses highlight the problem.

“This incident highlights how vulnerable low-Earth orbit satellites are to EMP, including a low-yield tactical nuclear weapon. [low Earth orbit] region,” said Mr. Listner.

An electromagnetic pulse produced by gamma rays from a nuclear explosion or special electronic weapons can disrupt or destroy all electronic devices in large areas. The U.S. military relies heavily on space systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as for guiding precision-guided weapons at targets.

Space X A total of 49 Starlink satellites were launched with a Falcon 9 booster from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on February 3, he said. In a statement made by the company, it was stated that the satellites were placed in low Earth orbit about 130 miles in space and performed controlled flight.

The first low orbit was intended to ensure that any failed deployments would not fit into orbit and would burn in the atmosphere.

“Unfortunately, the satellites deployed on Thursday were significantly affected by a geomagnetic storm on Friday,” the company said. “These storms cause the atmosphere to warm and increase atmospheric density at our low distribution altitudes.”

The electronic storm increased atmospheric drag on satellites maneuvering to orbit what the company calls “end-to-edge (like a piece of paper) to minimize friction.” The move was designed to protect the satellites from the storm’s space debris.

The satellite maneuvers were coordinated with the Space Force’s 18th Space Control Squadron and LeoLabs, a space company that maps objects in low Earth orbit.

“Preliminary analyzes show that increased friction at low altitudes is preventing satellites from exiting safe mode to begin orbital elevation maneuvers, and that as many as 40 satellites will re-enter or have already re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere.” Space X aforementioned.

The satellites are not at risk of colliding with other satellites and are designed to burn on reentry without creating orbital debris.

The last Russian anti-satellite test in November resulted in thousands of pieces of debris that could threaten satellites and the orbiting Space Station. In 2007, China also blew up a weather satellite with a missile, causing tens of thousands of orbiting debris.





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