China unveils advanced microwave weapon amid Starlink tensions
According to the Asia Times, China has developed a new microwave weapon that generates pulses comparable to those of a nuclear explosion. The weapon is also capable of disabling drones and satellites and tracking Starlink constellations.
The new microwave weapon, developed by the National University of Defense Technology in Changsha, uses phased transmission technology. This allows for precise energy focus and simultaneous targeting of multiple targets.
By utilizing compact Stirling thermal engines, the device efficiently converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, achieving an operational efficiency of about 97%. Tests have demonstrated that the weapon can disrupt electronic systems in drones, satellites, and military aircraft without causing physical damage.
The HPM weapon is part of China's strategy to counter the increasing presence of American microwave weapons in the Indo-Pacific region.
Chinese technology for tracking Starlink
Chinese scientists from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics have developed a new algorithm for targeting the American satellite constellation Starlink. Computer simulations suggest that with 99 Chinese satellites, it is possible to approach 1,400 Starlinks in just 5 hours Greenwich Mean Time.
This technology utilizes algorithms inspired by whale hunting strategies, enabling precise tracking of objects equipped with advanced systems such as lasers and reconnaissance devices.
SpaceX's Starlink satellites are crucial for Ukraine's military operations, enabling real-time coordination. The network currently includes over 6,700 satellites, and the Pentagon views it as a strategic asset.
Work on microwave weapons and space technologies forms part of the broader rivalry between China and the United States. The American Replicator programme, aiming to create a thousand disposable drones for aerial, maritime, and land warfare, responds to the growing challenges posed by China’s technological prowess.
