Hijacked satellites, space weapons signal new era of conflict in orbit
Experts warn that disabling satellites could cripple communications, navigation, intelligence gathering and even missile-warning systems — all without a single shot being fired
When Russia staged its Victory Day parade this year, pro-Kremlin hackers hijacked a satellite serving Ukraine and replaced regular broadcasts with images of tanks and troops rolling through Moscow.
The stunt underscored how modern warfare now stretches into cyberspace and outer space.
Experts warn that disabling satellites could cripple communications, navigation, intelligence gathering and even missile-warning systems — all without a single shot being fired. More than 12,000 satellites currently orbit the Earth, making them prime targets for cyber intrusions.
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US officials say Russia is also developing a space-based nuclear weapon capable of wiping out satellites in low-Earth orbit, a move that would violate treaties and threaten global stability.
Meanwhile, competition over the moon's resources, such as helium-3 for future nuclear fusion, has raised fears of future clashes among the US, China and Russia.
