ANTI-SATELLITE WEAPONS
Rival nations have developed powerful technology capable of knocking out satellites as the battle for space heats up
WORDS MARK SMITH
Satellites make tempting targets for rivals looking to knock out communications
Orbiting high above our heads is technology that has changed every aspect of our lives. From the GPS on your phone to the sport you watch on TV, satellites have become a cornerstone of modern life. But as well as civilian use, they’re also the lynchpin to secure military and government communications. It stands to reason that any hostile state wishing to cause disruption would target these satellites. Known as anti-satellite weapons (ASATs), they have been around almost as long as satellites themselves.