A war in space is possible, space commanders warned on Monday. And it could have devasting consequences on life on Earth, according to Interesting Engineering.
A space war could potentially destroy the satellites that the world relies on. If this happens, it could result in the failure of GPS systems, banking systems, power grids, military operations, and more.
The Guardian noted that it would no longer be "life as we know it" if a space war took place.
Senior Military Leaders Attend Australian Strategic Policy Institute Conference
According to Interesting Engineering, China and Russia have demonstrated that they're capable of just doing it.
The staff director of the US Space Force, Lt Gen Nina Armagno, said that the destruction of one of the US satellites by Russia last year was a "stunning display".
She noted that they are interpreting the action as a message and demonstration of the country's capability.
Currently, senior military leaders from the US and Canada are in Sydney. They are attending the Australian Strategic Policy Institute conference on space as the new frontier in "commerce, industry, competition, and war."
One of the subjects of their discussion is the importance of working with allies to counter the threat posed by space war. Allied countries include Australia.
According to Armagno, China was also openly documenting and describing its demonstrations of power in space.
While the war in space could not be seen by our naked eyes, we would be able to feel its consequences the moment it begins.
When satellites are attacked, there are two ways to disempower communication networks. One is through a direct attack using anti-satellite missiles, grappling arms, and hacking or jamming a satellite. Another is through the debris created by a destroyed satellite.
According to Armagno, until now, the US was still tracking 600 pieces of debris from China's 2007 "demonstration." Back in 2007, the nation took out one of its very own satellites.
The problem with satellite debris is it could seriously damage spacecraft and threaten the astronauts and cosmonauts in space.
US and Its Allies Work Together to Make Space More Resilient
Armagno emphasized that the US and its allies needed to work together to hamper the possible devastating effects of space war. And part of the move is to build nimbler, smaller satellites that could replace the satellite that is destroyed.
A number of such satellites are being developed by Australia. Likewise, the country is working on launching them into orbit.
Armagno said that it is high time for societies to understand the importance of space in the life of the people on Earth.
She added that like-minded countries should ensure that space is free for exploring nations. And the US and its allies all share those values.
Meanwhile, air commodore Nicholas Hogan, the Australian Defense Space Command's space capability director general, talks about the ability of China to "outpace" Australia.
He said that's why it's important for Australia, the US, and Canada to collaborate together.
According to him, the use of anti-satellite technology was a "wicked" problem. Another problem is the lack of laws, rules, and norms in space.
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