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Reports Say Russia Is Developing 'Zone-Effect' Anti-Satellite Weapon Aimed at Starlink

Intelligence assessments describe a micro‑projectile concept intended to disrupt satellite constellations with no confirmed tests or operational deployment.

Overview

  • The Associated Press cites assessments from two NATO-state intelligence services alleging Russia is working on a system designed to disable multiple Starlink satellites at once.
  • The proposed approach would disperse millimeter-scale, high‑density pellets to form shrapnel clouds that are hard to detect and difficult to attribute.
  • Experts warn such clouds could damage other spacecraft, potentially threatening Russian and Chinese satellites as well as low‑orbit stations like the ISS and Tiangong.
  • Specialists differ on feasibility, with Victoria Samson expressing skepticism about actual use and Canadian Brigadier General Christopher Horner calling the concept not implausible.
  • Analysts describe the idea as a potential deterrent or “weapon of fear,” and Western officials say they take the threat seriously despite the lack of independent verification.