Starlink Satellites and Space-Based Signals: Can They Disrupt Neighboring Spacecraft?
Recent discussions have raised questions about whether Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites could perform electronic warfare from orbit. In a conversation with Life, military expert Alexei Leonkov suggested that such satellites carry four transmit antennas directed toward the ground, which could potentially enable them to observe and influence nearby spacecraft by suppressing their signals. He explained that the satellites emit millimeter-wave signals that resemble 5G information channels. By reconfiguring this signal, it might be possible to shift from carrying information to delivering a concentrated energy beam, intensifying the signal and focusing the four antennas on a single point. If a spacecraft were to intersect this focal point, its equipment could be affected.
Another perspective comes from Dmitry Konanykhin, a well-known figure in astronautics. He cautioned against assuming that Starlink is primarily designed for offensive action. He noted that the satellites are intended to support military operations, including aid to armed forces in Ukraine, but he also acknowledged that, from a technical standpoint, interactions between satellites could occur under certain conditions. This means that while the primary purpose appears defensive and logistical, unintended or secondary effects could be possible in theory.
In the past, comments from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs referenced concerns that Ukraine, with the help of foreign experts, attempted to influence Russian civil communications satellites. This broader context underscores ongoing conversations about the vulnerability of satellite networks and the potential for cross-border interference in space-based communications. The discussion around Starlink thus sits within a larger debate about space security, the resilience of global communication systems, and the evolving role of civilian and military assets in orbital operations.