Description
Anti-satellite (henceforth ASAT) entails a spectrum of technologies– missiles, laser, energy waves, electromagnetic pulses, cyber strikes, and nano-satellites – targeted at satellites for disruption or destruction. The integration of satellites in deterrence architectures began with the ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and early warning features at the advent of the Space Age, and has accelerated towards pervasive satellite-based targeting, communication, and navigation at multiple levels with the rise of networked warfare. Maturing of ancillary technologies, growth of missile defence and the ongoing power transition shape the development of ASAT. The ability to deny access or interfere with space assets has significant repercussions for deterrence, while the exponential growth of satellite-enabled dual-use functions and services in modern societies (ranging from navigation to banking) represent a critical vulnerability. These, combined with strategic competition is driving the proliferation of ASAT – beyond Russia and USA, rising powers China and India have demonstrated ASAT capabilities; many others undertake research and development. Emerging technological and political developments contest the bipolar Cold War-era arrangements regulating outer space while despite increasing salience, ASATs remain understudied in the context of the broader geopolitics of outer space. The paper investigates and situates this in context of the emerging global strategic developments.
