SPACEX | The number of satellites circling the Earth has greatly expanded recently, but Russia claims that if the US and its allies continue on their current trajectory, some of those spacecraft might become military targets. Russian officials can only be referring to Starlink, which has supplied connection in Ukraine during the Russian invasion, given the veiled threat does not specifically mention Elon Musk’s SpaceX. But is this just more bellicose talk from a nation trying to look good?

SpaceX promised to start Starlink service in Ukraine early in the invasion, and it did it. Starlink has given Ukraine a crucial communication channel and assisted in the management of military equipment like drones.

Russia Suggests Assaulting

Russia is not incapable of attacking Starlink’s constellation, but doing so would result in a huge rise in western tensions. Late in 2021, Russia conducted an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test that transformed a defunct spacecraft into a cloud of hazardous debris. The test was denounced by NASA and other space organisations because of the heightened risk to the International Space Station. One of the reasons the US is attempting to limit orbital weapon testing is that even tiny pieces can result in significant damage in orbit.

Even if Russia decided to ignore caution and begin shooting Starlink satellites, it is unclear that it would significantly harm the network. Over 2,000 of them are already in orbit, and each Falcon 9 launch has the potential to add up to 60 more.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has stated that his company can launch new satellites more quickly than Russia (or anybody else) can shoot them down. SpaceX is just the first to arrive at this stage. Satellite launch costs have been decreased thanks to the reusable Falcon 9 rocket, but reusable launch vehicles will ultimately proliferate.

This may result in the development of a new generation of ASAT technology, although the existing approach of firing a missile at a single satellite is essentially ineffective.

In addition to some regions of South America and Australia, Starlink service currently extends throughout a sizable portion of North America and Europe. As SpaceX starts releasing bigger Starlink v2 satellites, which are reportedly simpler to blow up, coverage is anticipated to extend considerably over the next year or two.

Although SpaceX will continue to launch at a quicker rate than anyone could shoot them down, perhaps. The launch of the Starship rocket, whose delayed orbital test is anticipated for later this year, is necessary for Starlink v2.