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China has tested an advanced microwave weapon capable of destroying satellites in orbit and neutralizing electronic systems, with power comparable to that of a nuclear bomb. How does this technology work and what impacts will it have on the global geopolitical scenario? Discover the details of this technological threat.
Chinese researchers have announced progress in developing a new high-powered microwave weapon. (HPM), described as having a power comparable to the energy released by a nuclear explosion. The novelty, still in the laboratory testing phase, is attracting international attention due to its potential impact on modern military operations, especially in the fight against drones and satellites.
The technology, developed by scientists at National University of Defense Technology, in Changsha, and the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, in Xian, uses high-intensity electromagnetic waves capable of disabling or destroying electronic systems with extreme efficiency.
According to preliminary reports, the equipment can emit up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of power, making it a lethal tool in technological warfare scenarios.
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Focus and precision: China's difference
Traditionally, HPM weapons employ conventional parabolic antennas to direct their energy.
However, Chinese researchers have taken an innovative approach with phased array transmission technology.
This technique allows you to focus energy on specific targets with high precision, increasing the range and destructive impact of the device. Additionally, the weapon would be capable of attacking multiple targets simultaneously.
Despite historical difficulties related to the stability of this configuration, Chinese scientists claim to have overcome these challenges.
They developed a unique, compact power splitter, the size of a household fan, that distributes electromagnetic waves into eight channels independent.
This solution guarantees an operational efficiency of 96,6%, maintaining wave stability even after thousands of tests carried out at maximum power.
Comparison with nuclear explosions
The electromagnetic pulses generated by the weapon are similar to those produced by nuclear explosions, reaching levels of 80.000 volts per meter.
This power allows the equipment to reach satellite systems, including those operating in the Ku band, often used for commercial communications, such as the Starlink system.
Based on the researchers' data, many of these satellites do not meet military standards for resilience, making them vulnerable to targeted attacks.
The development of this technology is seen as a response to growing geopolitical tensions. Recently, the military of the United States and other nations has also stepped up research into directed energy weapons, anticipating scenarios of confrontation in space.
The introduction of HPMs capable of targeting satellites reinforces the idea that the space domain is increasingly strategic.
Military implications
The use of commercial satellites in conflicts, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine, highlights the importance of anti-satellite weapons. According to Chinese scientists, gigawatt-level weapons have the potential not only to destroy drones, but also to disable satellites in low-Earth orbit.
This could compromise adversaries' communications, surveillance and navigation systems.
While China has yet to test its weapon outside of a lab, the technological breakthrough signals a global race for supremacy in directed-energy weaponry.
The effectiveness of this equipment in real scenarios remains uncertain, but its destructive capacity is already worrying international powers.
