Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites could be targeted by new Russian weapon

Western intelligence agencies from two NATO member states believe Russia is working on a new anti-satellite weapon that could potentially target Elon Musk’s Starlink network.

According to a recent report, the weapon, if deployed, would scatter small pieces of shrapnel into the orbital paths used by Starlink satellites. 

This approach could disable several satellites at the same time and may also damage other spacecraft operating nearby, the Associated Press reported.

Starlink, owned by SpaceX, has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine during its war with Russia. 

Ukrainian forces rely heavily on the satellite internet service for battlefield communications and for operating large fleets of drones. 

Moscow has previously warned that satellites supporting Ukraine’s military efforts could be considered legitimate targets.

The possible weapon highlights growing concerns about the militarisation of space. For years, defence officials have warned that countries such as Russia and China are racing to develop space-based systems that could strengthen their own military capabilities while undermining rivals.

According to intelligence assessments cited in the report, the proposed weapon would release tiny metal pellets measuring only a few millimetres across. 

Their small size would make them difficult to detect using current tracking systems.

Unlike precision anti-satellite missiles, the weapon would act as a so-called “zone-effect” system, damaging anything passing through the affected area.