In The Times today:-
Russia tests secret ‘space shotgun’ that can target satellites
Russia has tested a space-based weapon system that can be hidden inside a large orbiting satellite and emerge to fire projectiles, lasers or microwave beams to destroy US satellites. The American military calls them “nesting dolls”, named after the Russian matryoshka painted wooden dolls that fit inside each other. It is believed that the weapon may be a kind of orbital “shotgun”, packed with metal pellets that can be spray-fired at satellites.
The latest test of this anti-satellite weapon system, which took place on July 15, has been revealed by the new US Space Command, and condemned by the state department. Russia was pushing ahead with developing a counter-space programme with ground-based anti-satellite capabilities “and what would appear to be actual in-orbit anti-satellite weaponry,” said Christopher Ford, US assistant secretary for international security and non-proliferation. The “mother ship” satellite, Cosmos 2543, was the same one used in December last year to threaten an American spy satellite. US Space Command revealed in January that Cosmos 2543 appeared to be following the satellite, which had to be moved to a new orbit.
The latest Russian test using Cosmos 2543 exposed the matryoshka concept. The test was described as non-destructive, meaning there was no actual hit in space against another satellite.
General Sir Chris Deverell, who previously presided over space at the Ministry of Defence, said that satellites were “inherently vulnerable to attack”. “The weaponisation of space is bad news for everyone except arms manufacturers,” he said. “There are ways to reduce, but not to eliminate, this vulnerability.” Douglas Barrie, aerospace expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, said that the Russians appeared to have revived many of the anti-satellite and space-based laser weapon programmes that were cancelled in the 1980s due to lack of funds. Realising the danger of Russian and Chinese threats to America’s global network of satellites from laser and other directed energy weapons, the US had hardened its orbiting systems to provide extra protection. However, Mr Barrie said “if the Russians have an anti-satellite weapon that fires projectiles, a kinetic hit in space, that might be more difficult to defend against.” General John “Jay” Raymond, chief of US space operations, said that Cosmos 2543 had launched a projectile but gave no further details.
Senior UK military personnel are seconded to the Combined Space Operations Centre in California. Data analysts and radar capability at RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire also contribute space surveillance functions. Last year the UK became the first formal partner in the American-led Operation Olympic Defender, a military mission to strengthen deterrence against hostile actors in space.
Russia dismissed accusations from the United States and Britain yesterday that it had tested an anti-satellite weapon in space as “propaganda”.