In a US-China war, will the first blow be struck in space?

There's more underlying recent Chinese criticism of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite project for putting the safety of China's astronauts at risk. Information systems are key to warfare and the fear is that Starlink's satellites could be used for military ends, such as erecting a 'space blockade' against the enemy.

SpaceX founder and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on June 29, 2021. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

The feared military conflict between the United States and China may not take place on a battlefield in the Taiwan Strait, Central Asia or the South China Sea, but in space.

Thinking further, if China and the US were to go to war, the point of first attack could be striking satellites in space.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.