Explore this Topic Featured Counterspace Weapons 101 Threats to space systems come in many different forms and types of counterspace weapons. Learn more about the four main categories of space threats in this 101.
View Featured Space Threat Assessment 2018 By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 11, 2018 Space Threat Assessment 2018 analyzes the open-source information available on the counterspace capabilities of other countries that can threaten U.S. space systems.
View Podcast: A Behind the Scenes Look at Space Threats By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts, Victoria Samson, Brian Weeden PublishedJune 1, 2018 Go behind the scenes with the authors of “Space Threat Assessment 2018.” They’re joined by the Secure World Foundation’s Victoria Samson and Brian Weeden to discuss what it’s like to study counterspace weapons—an inherently classified topic—in an unclassified environment.
View Space Threat 2018: China Assessment By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 12, 2018 Arguably the fastest rising power in space, China has made rapid progress in developing both its space and counterspace capabilities. The country has tested direct-ascent ASAT weapons, on-orbit robotics, and remote proximity operations. Reports indicate that China is also developing and testing directed-energy and jamming technologies.
View Space Threat 2018: Russia Assessment By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 12, 2018 Russia’s space and counterspace capabilities suffered after the fall of the Soviet Union, but it has since made significant progress rebuilding both programs.
View Space Threat 2018: North Korea Assessment By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 12, 2018 While North Korea’s space and counterspace capabilities are limited, it has made substantial progress developing its missile, jamming, and cyber capabilities. North Korea’s missile technology clearly aligns with its strive to become a nuclear power; its jamming and cyberattack capabilities tend to be more accessible and lower-tech than some counterspace weapons.
View Space Threat 2018: Iran Assessment By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 12, 2018 Iran’s pursuit of space and counterspace capabilities is a more recent development and is tied in many ways to its ballistic missile programs. However, Iran has previously used advanced jamming against commercial satellites and are reportedly further developing their cyber capabilities, as well.
View Space Threat 2018: Other Actors Assessment By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 12, 2018 Other actors, including allies, adversaries, and non-state, are developing or using counterspace weapons.
View Space Threat 2018: Conclusion By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 12, 2018 Space Threat Assessment 2018 evaluates open-source information on counterspace activities of adversaries, allies, and non-state actors. Counterspace weapon development from some adversaries is of serious concern and require immediate attention from policymakers.
View Space Threat Assessment 2018 By Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts PublishedApril 11, 2018 Several countries and non-state actors are developing, or have already developed, counterspace weapons that could be used against vulnerable U.S. space assets. This report assesses open-source information and provides a succinct view into what space and counterspace assets China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other actors are developing.
