Counterspace weapons. Counterspace weapons are not just limited to the handful of examples cited by the vice president. Jun 29, 2022 · China’s non-kinetic physical anti-satellite weapons, including DEWs, will play a critical part in future warfare. Despite the growing threats Many of those weapons, if they exist, remain classified, and Saltzman admitted to being “cagey” when asked what the Space Force does and doesn’t have. Mar 11, 2025 · The U. This chapter provides an overview and taxonomy for diferent types of counterspace weapons. Counterspace capabilities refers to capabilities, techniques, or assets that can be used against another space object or a component of a space system in order to deliberately deny, disrupt, degrade, damage or destroy it reversibly or irreversibly, so as to gain advantage over an adversary. Jun 22, 2025 · It is one of the most comprehensive studies on developing counterspace systems – technologies that can jam, block, or physically destroy satellites. TYPES OF COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS This is the metadata section. Apr 24, 2024 · China is developing anti-satellite weapons as part of a “breathtaking” military expansion, US defence experts have warned. The efects of these weapons can also be Mar 31, 2021 · Counterspace Timeline, 1959 – 2022 This repository of counterspace weapons data is comprised of tests, technology demonstrations, and unusual behaviors first identified in our annual Space Threat Assessment report series. Additionally, it can use ground-based lasers to dazzle satellites in LEO. The 2025 report assesses the current and near-future capabilities of 12 countries and their potential military utility. "And so assessments further indicate characteristics resembling previously deployed counter space May 20, 2024 · Russian interest in space-based radio frequency weapons is evident from an essay on counterspace systems published in the leading military journal Voyennaya mysl last year. There is a significant amount of evidence of research and development, and testing but limited details on operational status of any deployed capabilities. Apr 25, 2025 · The 2025 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? Non-kinetic weapons disrupt or degrade the ability of satellites to function properly. Destructive methods, such as direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles, have never been used in warfare. We argue that these conflicting trends have afected China’s counter-space posture in two main ways. China is likely developing directed energy weapons for counterspace use, including at least five laser weapons testing facilities, but information on the operational status of any fielded capabilities is limited in the Apr 21, 2025 · This illustration created for the Space-Based Weapons section of the “Competing in Space” unclassified report depicts space-based anti-satellite systems that target other space systems. He was not cagey, however, about the need for space superiority—and for the Space Force to be able to achieve it. This examination is mainly from a Russian perspective. It then defines different types of passive and active defenses that can help protect space systems, such as architectural designs that increase survivability and ground-based lasers. Counterspace weapons, particularly those that produce orbital debris, pose a serious risk to the space environment and the ability of all nations to use the space domain for prosperity and security. Jan 22, 2025 · China's new high-power microwave (HPM) weapons promise to redefine electronic warfare, countering US advancements in drone and space capabilities while Apr 4, 2022 · This assessment uses open-source information to track the developments of counterspace weapons that threaten U. First, China is bolstering space deterrence through ofensive weapons, as well as more resilient and redundant space TYPES OF COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS economic and military power. With nations vying for dominance in the space domain, this article provides an overview of the various counterspace capabilities and reviews satellite counterspace defensive Feb 13, 2025 · Of particular concern is the development of counterspace capabilities — weapons designed to interfere with or destroy space systems. S. Non-destructive methods, such as electronic warfare, are already being used in current conflicts. It also features an in-depth analysis of Russia's battlefield employment of counterspace weapons in Ukraine. Apr 20, 2022 · Please join CSIS's Aerospace Security Project and the Secure World Foundation as they discuss tracking developments in counterspace weapons. Sep 11, 2024 · Types of Counterspace Weapons • Kinetic counterspace weapons strike a satellite with physical force. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Apr 1, 2021 · This report reviews the open-source information available on the counterspace capabilities developed in the past year that can threaten U. Mar 13, 2025 · The six types of space weapons Saltzman said the Space Force categorizes adversarial space weapons in six categories—three that are space-based and three that are ground-based. counterspace capabilities and operations — the military use of weapons in space — but senior defense and military officials have made clear their goal to be Apr 4, 2022 · The 2022 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. Reports indicate that China is also developing and testing directed-energy and jamming technologies. Jan 24, 2025 · Little is publicly known about U. Apr 2, 2024 · Credit: Secure World Foundation annual report on global counterspace technologies WASHINGTON — The Secure World Foundation on April 2 released its annual report, "Global Counterspace Apr 14, 2023 · A pair of studies, one from the Secure World Foundation and one from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, examine the state of play as nations search for ways to keep each other Aug 31, 2023 · Given the decades of relative neglect in the area of space weapons, the Space Force will need to be able to leverage technologies and lessons learned from industry and other domain acquisition programs in order to accelerate counterspace weapons development. national security interests in space Apr 17, 2024 · CSIS releases annual assessment of global trends in the weaponization of space ‘It’s surprising how many counterspace activities happen right under our noses’ by Sandra Erwin April 17, 2024 Apr 8, 2019 · This assessment looks at the four categories of counterspace weapons– kinetic physical, non-kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber–in conjunction with the four countries that pose the greatest threat to United States airspace: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS Apr 17, 2024 · Each report in this series catalogs yearly trends, uses, and advancements of counterspace weapons and enablers to provide policymakers and the public with accessible insights into the global space threat landscape. 8. Kinetic weapons include DA-ASAT weapons, which are missiles shot from the ground or the air, and co- orbital (or space-based) ASAT weapons that destroy a satellite from space. "These novel and unprecedented developments include China's robust counter-space weapons and space-enabled kill chains, Russia's reported pursuit of an on-orbit nuclear anti-satellite weapon and wide-ranging ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missile threats," Whiting said. Observers Apr 14, 2023 · The 2023 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. Drawing on six years of collected data and analyses, this series describes trends in the development, testing, and use of counterspace weapons and enables readers to develop a deeper understanding of threats to U. Saltzman began by Jul 24, 2023 · Top U. Space Force’s top officer has provided an unusually detailed description of a vision for future counter-space capabilities and priorities in that regard — as well as the kinds of threats that the service faces. 2 days ago · The Army's emphasis currently is "on the counterspace piece for space control, electronic warfare, really doing counter-communications," said Brig. Skip to content viewer section. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Space Command Looks to Accelerate Enhancement of Space Domain Awareness Defense Daily Space Force insufficiently Apr 3, 2025 · China is rapidly building out its arsenal of counterspace weapons: everything from ground-based lasers to satellites that can grab other satellites, all of which pose a “grave threat” to the U Jun 28, 2024 · Arguably, an international agreement that bans all nations from possessing counterspace weapons would be the best way to preserve the safety and security of space. First, China is bolstering space deterrence through offensive weapons, as well as more resilient and redundant space May 30, 2024 · Russia recently launched a satellite that is "likely a counterspace weapon," a U. space Apr 14, 2023 · This resource for policymakers and the public leverages open-source information to assess key developments in foreign counterspace weapons. ofensive and defensive counterspace weapon systems is vital. national security interests in space. Russia can conduct radiofrequency (RF) jamming from mobile platforms against communication satellites in LEO. The acronym “ASAT” (which stands for “anti-satellite” capability) is sometimes used as a synonym for kinetic or hard-kill counterspace capabilities; however, ASATs are a subset of counterspace technology that focuses on targeting one component of space systems (the satellite). The weapons used for OCS or DCS operations are generally called counterspace weapons and cat-egorized as kinetic physical, non- kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber. We argue that these conflicting trends have affected China’s counterspace posture in two main ways. A major contributor to this is the development and testing of counterspace capabilities (also referred to as anti-satellite weapons or ASATs) by some countries. CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. ABSTRACT China is developing counterspace capabilities which may threaten US space systems. Jun 13, 2022 · Russia has a long history of developing space weapons. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Counterspace weapons also difer in how they are employed and how dificult they Dec 19, 2024 · Outgoing Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall warns that the service needs to develop and field counterspace capabilities at a faster pace. Counterspace weapons vary significantly in the types of efects they create, how they are deployed, how Jun 22, 2025 · Secure World Foundation's 2025 Global Counterspace Capabilities Report warns of rising global investment in space weapons. This Apr 26, 2023 · Russia is developing, testing and fielding its own counterspace systems, including ground-based and space-based kinetic anti-satellite weapons. Counterspace weapons also difer in how they are employed and how dificult they are to detect and attribute. The strategic importance of counterspace weapons for spacepower nations is common knowledge for the USAF, DoD, and US civilian national security deci-sionmakers, yet not quite evident in other space- faring nations where the counter-space mission is still largely neglected or insuficiently addressed. These ASATs focus on jamming or spoofing via electronic warfare (EW May 20, 2023 · Satellite counterspace capabilities have become increasingly important in the modern world, as space has become an integral part of various sectors, such as communication, navigation, military, and scientific research. May 22, 2024 · “On May 16, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit Anti-satellite weapon An artist's impression of a futuristic anti-satellite weapon capable of destroying satellites using its "circular saw" extensions Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) are space weapons designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites for strategic or tactical [1] purposes. The report uses scenarios to examine how different Feb 26, 2021 · This analysis addresses different methods and technologies that can be used by the US and others, to protect against or deter adversarial attacks via counterspace weapons. May 10, 2024 · However, there is limited open source evidence of Chinese EW counterspace capabilities being operationally deployed. May 10, 2024 · This article reviews the counterspace capabilities being developed by the United States, Russia, China, and India, with a focus on direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) weapons, co-orbital anti-satellite systems, directed energy weapons, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities. At the same time, its increasing space dependence encourages restraint in warfare. Feb 26, 2021 · CSIS released a new study called “Defense Against the Dark Arts in Space: Protecting Space Systems from Counterspace Weapons. military purposes or deny an adversary’s use of space, the area beyond 100 km above sea level. In…. New Study: US Needs Counterspace Weapons for Space Superiority Air & Space Forces Magazine Building US Space Force’s Counterspace Capabilities Air & Space Forces Magazine ‘Stop debating’ over space weapons and prepare for conflict: Space Force general Breaking Defense U. 8 Present counterspace weapons may be classified as Earth- space/direct- ascent (launched from land, air, or sea), and space- space/co- orbital (placed and maneuvered in or-bit Countries covered in this report are divided up into those who have conducted debris-causing anti-satellite tests (the United States, Russia, China, India) and those who are developing counterspace technologies (Australia, France, Japan, Iran, Israel, North Korea, South Korea, and the United Kingdom). Their devastating potential has perhaps not received as much attention as other ASAT Mar 28, 2025 · He said threats continue to expand at a breathtaking pace and pose a risk to the joint force. The country has tested direct-ascent ASAT weapons, on-orbit robotics, and remote proximity operations. May 22, 2024 · "Russia deployed this new counter space weapon into the same orbit as a US government satellite. S May 27, 2024 · Counterspace race The idea of weapons aimed at or positioned in space remains highly controversial, but it isn’t new. Sep 11, 2024 · Kinetic counterspace weapons strike a satellite with physical force. It discusses the growing threat to space systems from countries developing anti-satellite weapons. Aug 1, 2022 · [37] Chinese directed energy weapons China is actively pursuing the development of directed energy weapon (DEW) for counterspace use. This first part provides the background to and covers the thinking behind the Russian military’s particular emphasis on counterspace or anti‐satellite (ASAT) weapons. Concepts for space-based anti-satellite systems vary widely and include designs to deliver reversible and irreversible counterspace effects. ” Aug 27, 2024 · ABSTRACT China is developing counterspace capabilities which may threaten US space systems. Donald Brooks, deputy commanding general Oct 25, 2024 · As long as humanity has been going into space, efforts have been made to disrupt space capabilities. Apr 11, 2018 · Counterspace Weapons 101 For a more brief description of the four categories of counterspace weapons used in this report, check out Aerospace 101. Questions: 1. It has demonstrated a capability to kinetically intercept satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) from space and more recently from the ground in late 2021. Mar 24, 2025 · This tool presents systems in low earth orbit (LEO) that are operated by a government, military, or commercial entity in China, Russia, or the United States; weapons designed to attack LEO systems; and launch vehicles to reach LEO. Gen Stephen Whiting, the head of the US Space Command, said Beijing Abstract This is the first paper of a two‐part examination of the Russian military’s space‐related capabilities. Mar 30, 2020 · Counterspace Weapons 101 For a brief description of the four categories of counterspace weapons used in this report, see our Aerospace 101 series. "These are aimed at degrading and denying U. In this new high-water mark for the Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE), Charles Galbreath examines the historical and current challenges facing our nation and the Space Force. TYPES OF COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS significantly in the types of COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS CAN VARY efects they create, the level of technological sophistication re-quired to conceive them, and the level of resources needed to de-velop and deploy them. The military uses counterspace operations to gain space superiority, which is the ability to use space for U. Decades ago, the US and the Soviet Union vied for technologies to knock-out Jan 31, 2025 · A nuclear weapon in space threatens to undo decades of international achievement and undermine international peace. Apr 11, 2022 · The weapons test unsubtly demonstrated Russia’s anti-satellite military capabilities, which are comparable to those of China and the United States. Apr 26, 2023 · Russia is developing, testing and fielding its own counterspace systems, including ground-based and space-based kinetic anti-satellite weapons. Types of Counterspace Weapons Kinetic counterspace weapons strike a satellite with physical force. While China’s counterspace capabilities present the largest threat, other nations like Russia are also demonstrating their intent to deny their adversaries access to the growing benefits of commercial and international space systems and nullify the U. Gen. Apr 12, 2018 · Space Threat 2018: China Assessment Arguably the fastest rising power in space, China has made rapid progress in developing both its space and counterspace capabilities. It covers events and activities through February 2025. counterspace capabilities, it would be difficult to assess the global counterspace landscape without noting the evolving U. Apr 3, 2025 · HELSINKI — China is rapidly advancing a broad spectrum of counterspace capabilities as part of a sustained push to secure military power in orbit, according to a new report. Apr 12, 2022 · As for counterspace weapons, DIA notes that while the PLA’s “operational ground-based ASAT missile system is intended to target” satellites in Low Earth Orbit (where many intelligence COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS Illustration A ballistic missile can be used as a kinetic physical counterspace weapon. The country sections include an overview of military space organi-zations, launch and satellite capabilities, and a brief review of counterspace developments. COUNTERSPACE WEAPONS Illustration A ballistic missile can be used as a kinetic phys-ical counterspace weapon. It also features analysis on GPS jamming and spoofing, satellite rendezvous and proximity operations, unintentional debris creation, and other counterspace topics. Dec 11, 2023 · The weapons discussed in this report include: Direct Assent Antisatellite Missiles, Directed Energy Counterspace Weapons, Terrestrially based satellite electronic jammers, Space based grappling counterspace weapons, Offensive cyber counterspace weapons, Space based satellite electronic jammers. space systems and which countries are developing such systems. Oct 28, 2019 · There are 4 types of counterspace weapons: kinetic physical, non-kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber that could be used as an anti-satellite weapon. Each report in this series catalogs yearly developments, uses, and advancements of counterspace weapons and enablers to provide policymakers and the public with accessible insights into the g Dec 25, 2013 · Russian and Chinese development of radiofrequency directed energy weapons (RF DEW) for counterspace by Markos Trichas and Matthew Mowthorpe Monday, May 12, 2025 High-power microwave weapons deployed in space have been under research and development by both Russia and China for the last three decades. platforms on-orbit. Apr 3, 2025 · The big three space powers over the past year have made headway on counterspace weapons using technologies ranging from radio frequency jamming to potentially even nuclear explosions (here’s Nov 1, 2024 · Yet details on what kinds of weapons they want remain scarce, and the implications of a space war still gave some officials pause when discussing counterspace and space dominance—reflecting a persistent tension between deterrence, classification, and deep-rooted fears of weaponizing space. counterspace capabilities and operations — the military use of weapons in space — but senior defense and military officials have made clear their goal to be Apr 8, 2019 · This assessment looks at the four categories of counterspace weapons– kinetic physical, non-kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber–in conjunction with the four countries that pose the greatest threat to United States airspace: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. What is new, however, is the proliferation of counterspace capabilities beyond the Cold War superpowers, as well as the increased importance of space for many countries. ASATs are designed to May 25, 2025 · The DIA further reports that Russia has already developed and in some cases deployed non-nuclear counterspace weapons, including lasers, a ground-launched antisatellite missile, and electronic warfare systems. China is likely to be developing directed energy weapons (DEW) for counterspace use, although public details are scarce. Chance Saltzman’s comments came during the Air & Space Forces Association’s 2025 Warfare Symposium last week. The strategic importance of space has led some na-tions to build arsenals of counterspace weapons to disrupt, degrade, or destroy space systems and hold at risk the ability of ot Sep 11, 2024 · Disclaimer: These documents were prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). military advantage in space. Russia has demonstrated similar counterspace capabilities, such as its 2021 test of an ASAT weapon that destroyed another Russian satellite. While we see proliferation of R&D into counterspace capabilities, only non-destructive counterspace capabilities are being used in active military conflicts. Mar 21, 2025 · China is practicing “dogfighting” satellites as part of its expanding capabilities in space, according to the United States Space Force, which warned that Washington’s key rivals are closing Non‐Kinetic, Non‐physical Counterspace Systems c, non‐physical ASAT weapons disrupt or degrade satellite functionality without causing physical damage. Sep 11, 2024 · Disclaimer: These documents were prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). posture toward space weapons and operations. Oct 31, 2022 · Space is increasingly a contested operational domain. Kinetic weapons include DA-ASAT weapons, which are missiles shot from the ground or the air, and co-orbital (or space-based) ASAT weapons that destroy a satellite from space. [38] Jun 28, 2024 · Arguably, an international agreement that bans all nations from possessing counterspace weapons would be the best way to preserve the safety and security of space. Jun 27, 2023 · Space is a warfighting domain, and the Space Force needs counterspace weapons to ensure space superiority, a new research paper argues. However, this outcome is not realistic, even with the assumption that there would be a satisfactory way to define counterspace weapons, which has proven elusive to date. Non-kinetic counterspace weapons can be stationed on ground, maritime, or airborne platforms and used to affect the operation of satellites or the sensors they carry, without making physical contact. diplomat and the Pentagon said last week, raising new allegations that Russia is weaponizing space. 结论 一、 报告内容概述 （一）反太空武器类型简述 (Counterspace Weapons Overview) 报告将反太空武器分为四大类：动能武器、非动能武器、电子武器和网络作战。 ￮ 动能武器 (Kinetic Weapons)：指使用物理手段（导弹、射弹、抓取器等）摧毁或损坏目标的武器。 包括： May 13, 2024 · Russian research on space nukes and alternative counterspace weapons (part 1) by Bart Hendrickx Monday, May 13, 2024 Apr 16, 2025 · As senior Space Force leaders grow more vocal about their desire for new space weapons, the service is upgrading one its existing jammers. A wide array of counterspace weapons are available to potential adversaries that vary in the types of efects they create, the level of technological sophistication, and the resources required to develop and field them. Russia’s activities in space also included a 2024 test of a space-based antisatellite weapon conducted near a U. This document analyzes counterspace weapons and defenses. Mar 18, 2025 · Along with maneuverable space vehicles, China has worked to develop anti-satellite missiles and other non-kinetic weapons that can attack U. There is strong evidence of dedicated research and development and reports of testing at three diferent locations, but limited details on the operational status and maturity of any fielded capabilities. Apr 14, 2023 · This iteration of the Space Threat Assessment provides a framework that describes different types of counterspace weapons and a highlight of the main countries being tracked-China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. space officials said the Pentagon has kinetic and nonkinetic options to respond to new Russian and Chinese space weapons. space Apr 28, 2025 · Although the 2025 Space Threat Assessment report has not traditionally addressed U. Part II will evaluate the specific ASATs currently n counterspace capabilities. It also analyzes several key events, including the 2021 Russian ASAT test, the supposed Chinese FOBS test, and Russian jamming in Ukraine. This is why the development of U. Major Updates in 2025: The 2025 edition documents the continued development of counterspace capabilities by 12 countries. vtzc uevjxu oabxnogl ucq qakx ide espxy wyfgl ctqiuy vohvbp