China apparently wants to destroy Starlink with attack lasers and laser cannons

Fear of military use

China is probably planning to destroy Musk Starlink satellites

China reacts to the growing dominance of the Starlink satellite system with military plans. Beijing also does not rule out its destruction.

Chinese researchers and military engineers are apparently working on a number of technical measures to counter the Starlink satellite network by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. According to an analysis by the AP news agency, dozens of studies examine, among other things, the use of camouflage cap-boats with space capable lasers, the development of attack satellites with ion engines as well as methods for the targeted sabotage of Starlink components in space.

The aim of these measures is obviously to weaken or interrupt the communication infrastructure of Starlink. Some publications propose to pursue Starlink satellites with optical telescopes, intercept the signals or to disturb their function through targeted effects-such as with laser rays. According to the report, other scenarios include the persecution of individual satellites with specially developed air bodies or the exposure of corrosive substances for the damage to energy sources and control systems.

But why does China want to destroy the satellite system? The AP report suggests that China is concerned about a military use of Starlink. The system, which currently comprises over two thirds of all active satellites in the Earth Railway, is seen by Chinese security circles as a potential platform for espionage and warfare-especially because of its use in the Ukraine War. Ukrainian troops use the system intensively there. The military was also affected in the last failure.

Starlink is directly described as a strategic threat in several specialist articles of Chinese universities and authorities. The proximity of the company to US authorities and military structures is the central argument for the development of defense mechanisms.

The Chinese government is working in parallel to build its own global satellite network. The “Guowang” project, which is supposed to include around 13,000 satellites, is in the construction phase. At the same time, the government is promoting diplomatic and regulatory steps to contain the worldwide expansion of Starlink.

Meanwhile, experts warn of the further militarization of space. The competition between Starlink and rival networks can have an effect on civilian users worldwide in an emergency – because the satellites circle globally, also about regions such as China, Europe and the Middle East.