Russia is reportedly developing a new anti-satellite weapon designed to target Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation, according to intelligence findings from two Nato nations. The so-called 'zone-effect' weapon would flood Starlink orbits with hundreds of thousands of high-density pellets, potentially disabling multiple satellites at once but also risking catastrophic collateral damage to other orbiting systems.
The alleged objective is to curb Western space superiority, which has been crucial for Ukraine on the battlefield. Starlink’s high-speed internet service is used by Ukrainian forces for communications, weapons targeting, and by civilians where Russian strikes have affected communications. Russian officials have previously warned that commercial satellites serving Ukraine’s military could be legitimate targets.
Analysts express scepticism about the weapon’s feasibility. Victoria Samson of the Secure World Foundation said, 'I don’t buy it… I would be very surprised if they were to do something like that.' However, Brigadier General Christopher Horner of the Canadian Space Division noted such work cannot be ruled out, given US allegations that Russia is also pursuing a nuclear space-based weapon. He said, 'it wouldn’t strike me as shocking that something just short of that, but equally damaging, is within their wheelhouse of development.'
The intelligence findings, shown to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, did not specify when Russia might deploy such a system. Unlike a 2021 missile test that destroyed a single satellite, the new weapon would target multiple Starlinks at once, possibly using pellets released by small satellite formations. Debris from such an attack could become uncontrollable, threatening all satellites in similar orbits, including those of Russia and China.
The US Space Force did not respond to questions. The French military’s Space Command said Russia has been 'multiplying irresponsible, dangerous, and even hostile actions in space.' Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov did not comment. Russia has previously called for UN efforts to stop orbital weapons, and President Putin has said Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear space weapons.
