New Delhi: China has expressed its strong reservations and objection to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet constellation with the charge that Starlink has the ability to track stealth jets, thus defeating the very purpose of covertness.
Researchers from the Beijing Institute suggest that Starlink satellites have the capability to detect stealth aircraft, potentially disrupting global aerial defense dynamics.
Signal disruption: Stealth planes induce subtle disturbances in satellite communications, referred to as Fresnel zone disruptions, which can be detected through advanced analysis.
Drone simulation: Researchers used a DJI Phantom 4 Pro to simulate stealth, confirming the feasibility of detection through Starlink’s dense satellite.
Passive detection: The proposed method utilizes Starlink’s existing signals to detect stealth aircraft without relying on traditional radar emissions. Originally designed for internet connectivity, Starlink’s satellite network provides applications that extend far beyond its civilian purpose.
Global coverage: The dense Starlink offers near real-time detection capabilities, even in remote or oceanic regions, surpassing ground-based radars.
Military shift: If successful, this method could challenge U.S. dominance in stealth technology, reshaping military strategies on a global scale.
Technical hurdles: Challenges include weather interference, signal noise, and the computational required for real-time anomaly detection across thousands of satellites.
Ethical dilemma: The dual-use nature of Starlink’s network raises concerns about the militarization of civilian technologies and the accountability of private entities.
Source: China raises strong concerns over Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet, says it will expose…, uses drone simulation to…
