US, China, Russia Gearing Up For Space Wars To Come

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Previously, Asia Times reported in February 2022 that the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded contracts to General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Blue Origin to develop nuclear propulsion systems for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) demonstrations by 2025.

This technology, which uses nuclear fission to accelerate propellants, offers significant advantages over traditional chemical propulsion, including longer endurance, heavier payload capacity and double fuel efficiency.

These advancements may shift space combat from passive“detection and response” to active“positioning and maneuver” strategies. They enable the application of traditional war principles-flexibility, concentration, and maneuverability-to space operations.

Maneuverability may also address satellites' inherent vulnerability. Most follow predictable paths, making them susceptible to tracking and targeting by anti-satellite weapons. This predictability allows adversaries to plan and execute attacks with higher precision.

Adversary satellites employing“chase and disable” tactics-actively seeking, inspecting, or damaging critical space assets-pose significant threats to space security.

These tactics involve satellites maneuvering to closely approach and potentially interfere with other satellites, raising concerns about intentional disruptions or hostile actions.

For instance, NPR reported in May 2024 that the US had accused Russia of launching a satellite, Cosmos 2576, that is likely a counter-space weapon. NPR says the satellite, launched from the Plesetsk site in northern Russia, is in the same orbital plane as a US spy satellite, USA 314, which is part of the Keyhole 11 series.

According to NPR, the US claims that Cosmos 2576's proximity to USA 314, approximately 48 kilometers at its closest point, suggests it could be used to inspect, move or damage other satellites.

The report notes this maneuver has heightened tensions between the two nations, with the US monitoring the satellite for any threatening behavior. NPR says Russia has denied the allegations, calling them“fake news” and asserting its opposition to placing weapons in space.

Previously, Asia Times reported in August 2022 that Russia's Kosmos-2558 satellite is suspected to be an“inspector satellite” with potential hunter-killer capabilities. Analysts believe it can monitor and potentially destroy US spy satellites, raising concerns about the weaponization of space.

That month, Kosmos-2558 approached within 75 kilometers of the USA-326 satellite, which carries a classified payload for space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has expressed concerns about the satellite's proximity and potential threat. Russia has a history of deploying satellites with similar capabilities, including Kosmos-2491, Kosmos-2499, and Kosmos-2504, which have conducted proximity maneuvers since 2013.

Charles Galbreath mentions in a July 2024 article for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies that the US Space Force should explore plans to deploy“hunter-killer” satellites, leveraging the flexibility and affordability of SmallSats to strengthen space superiority.

Galbreath says these hunter-killer satellites are designed to operate as co-orbital weapons capable of disabling adversary satellites through kinetic strikes, electronic warfare, laser targeting, spoofing and jamming.

He notes that patrolling near adversary assets, hiding in less-monitored orbits, or remaining dormant aboard larger spacecraft until activation enhances the US Space Force's ability to execute offensive counter-space operations on short notice.

Additionally, Galbreath says these satellites can be“bodyguards” for high-value space assets, similar to fighter escorts for aircraft, thereby shielding critical systems like missile warning satellites from attack.