China's New Microwave Weapon Raises Stakes in Space Security
Researchers at China's Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology in Xi'an have developed a compact high-power microwave weapon driver that could pose a significant challenge to satellite networks, including SpaceX's Starlink constellation. The device, designated the TPG1000Cs, represents a major advancement in directed-energy technology with potential military applications.
Powerful Capabilities Against Satellite Constellations
The TPG1000Cs is capable of delivering up to 20 gigawatts of power for durations lasting up to one minute. This substantial energy output makes it particularly effective against low-orbit satellites. China has repeatedly expressed concerns that Starlink poses a serious threat to its national security, prompting research into countermeasures.
According to reports cited by the South China Morning Post, Chinese researchers are actively developing what they term "Starlink killer" weapons. These systems include both high-power microwave weapons and laser technologies specifically designed to counter large constellations of low-orbit satellites.
Enhanced Vulnerability of Modern Satellites
While SpaceX has lowered Starlink satellites to minimize collision risks in space, this strategic adjustment has inadvertently made them more susceptible to ground-based directed-energy attacks. The reduced altitude places these satellites within easier reach of terrestrial weapons systems.
Compact Design and Mobility Features
The TPG1000Cs measures approximately four meters in length and weighs about five tonnes. This relatively compact size allows for deployment across multiple platforms:
- Military trucks for ground-based operations
- Warships for naval deployment
- Aircraft for aerial platforms
- Satellites for space-based applications
If deployed in space, the system could make attacks more lethal and harder to detect. The TPG1000Cs is capable of delivering up to 3,000 high-energy pulses in a single session, far exceeding comparable technologies currently available.
Innovative Engineering Breakthroughs
The development team implemented several major design innovations to create this advanced weapon system. Researchers replaced traditional high-strength steel components with aluminium alloy, reducing the system's overall weight by approximately one-third.
Another significant innovation involved etching wavy grooves into insulating plates. This design lengthens the surface path and prevents electrical discharges, similar to how winding mountain roads prevent vehicles from "cutting corners." This approach enhances the system's electrical safety and efficiency.
Advanced Energy Storage Configuration
Traditional energy-storage components typically use long, straight tubes that require significant length to store sufficient energy. The TPG1000Cs employs a dual U-shaped structure that allows energy to bounce back and forth within the system.
This innovative configuration achieves the same performance as traditional designs in roughly half the space, making the weapon more compact and efficient. Additional improvements included replacing the insulating oil, enabling the system to store significantly more energy than previous models.
Scientific Publication and Research Team
The technological advances were detailed in a paper published on December 30 in High Power Laser and Particle Beams, a Chinese peer-reviewed scientific journal. The research team was led by Wang Gang from the Key Laboratory on Science and Technology on High Power Microwave at the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology (NINT).
This development represents China's growing capabilities in directed-energy weapons and highlights the evolving nature of space security challenges in an era of proliferating satellite constellations.
