Dr Julia Balm of King's College London's Freeman Air and Space Institute warned
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims + Mains·
Space militarization and dual-use technology: a critical GS3 Science & Technology and International Relations topic.
Why in news
Dr Julia Balm warned that a space war could emerge within five years as companies like Astroscale and Orbit Fab develop military technology for the UK Ministry of Defence.
Background
Astroscale, originally founded to remove space debris, and Orbit Fab, a satellite refuelling technology developer, are now working on defensive and offensive space capabilities. US intelligence suggests the 2022 Russian satellite Cosmos 2553 may carry nuclear components.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TAstroscale: A British company involved in classified military programmes and space debris removal.
- S&TOrbit Fab: A company developing satellite refuelling technology for the Ministry of Defence.
- FactCosmos 2553: A Russian satellite launched in 2022 suspected by US intelligence to carry nuclear components.
- S&TICEYE X36: A satellite supporting Ukraine that was approached by a Russian military satellite.
Prelims practice question
With reference to space technology and militarization, consider the following statements:
- Astroscale is a British company involved in space debris removal and classified military programmes.
- The Russian satellite Cosmos 2553 was launched in 2023 and is confirmed to carry nuclear components.
- Orbit Fab is a company developing satellite refuelling technology for the UK Ministry of Defence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The satellite was launched in 2022 and is only suspected by US intelligence to carry nuclear components.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of the militarization of space and the potential risks of orbital debris and nuclear-capable satellites on global infrastructure.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Infrastructure vulnerability: Potential disruption of GPS, internet, and banking services due to satellite attacks.
- Orbital sustainability: Risk of high-energy particles making parts of Earth's orbit unusable via nuclear explosions.
- Geopolitical friction: Concerns raised by Russia and China regarding Western military space technology development.
Keywords: Space Militarization · Orbital Debris · Satellite Security · Dual-use Technology · Space Governance
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