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Weaponisation of Space
Context: Recent events, such as Russian hackers hijacking a satellite to broadcast propaganda in Ukraine, highlight how modern warfare extends beyond land, sea, and air into cyberspace and outer space.
What is the Weaponisation of Space?
The weaponisation of space refers to the deployment of weapons systems in outer space or the use of ground-based, air, or cyber tools to attack space assets. It includes:
- Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapons: Kinetic (physical destruction) or non-kinetic (jamming, hacking) attacks on satellites.
- Orbital Weapons: Space-based missiles or directed-energy weapons (lasers).
- Electronic Warfare: Disrupting satellite signals through cyberattacks or electromagnetic interference.
- Nuclear Space Weapons: Devices designed to create electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) that fry satellite electronics.
Why is it Dangerous?
- Cripples Critical Infrastructure: GPS, banking, military communications, and early missile warnings rely on satellites.
- Escalates Conflicts: An attack on satellites could trigger a full-scale war.
- Creates Space Debris: Kinetic ASAT tests (like India’s Mission Shakti) generate dangerous orbital debris.
Can India Deter the Weaponisation of Space by Other State Actors?
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India’s Strengths:
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- ASAT Capability: Mission Shakti (2019) proved India can hit low-orbit satellites.
- Strong Space Infrastructure: ISRO’s NavIC (GPS alternative) and GSAT military satellites reduce dependency on foreign systems.
- Cyber & Electronic Warfare: Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) and DRDO’s EW programs can counter signal jamming/hacking.
- International Alliances: Partnerships with US (Space Situational Awareness) and Quad enhance space security.
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Challenges:
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- Limited Satellite Armour: Most Indian satellites lack advanced anti-jamming/shielding.
- Debris Vulnerability: ASAT tests create debris that can harm India’s own satellites.
- No Space Force: Unlike US (Space Force) or China (PLA Strategic Support Force), India lacks a dedicated military space command.
- Dependency on Foreign Tech: Reliance on commercial satellites (like SpaceX’s Starlink) for backup comms.
What is the Way Forward for India?
- Develop Hypersonic & Directed-Energy Weapons for space defence.
- Strengthen ISRO-DRDO collaboration on hardened satellites.
- Join/Shape Global Space Treaties to ban kinetic ASAT tests.
