TNI: Putin can arrange a "space Pearl Harbor" for America
So far, Putin has not attacked US or NATO satellites, but he is probably slowly preparing to arrange a "space Pearl Harbor" for America, writes TNI. After all, with the help of American satellites, Ukraine has been unceremoniously destroying Russians since the beginning of hostilities in 2022.
Brandon Weichert
The so—called “coorbital satellite” is such a small but very nasty machine. They are also called “space scouts” — and with good reason. Tiny and fast, they closely monitor key satellites of other countries (for example, the United States) and can damage or destroy these systems at the command of ground operators.
By their very nature, these systems have a dual purpose. In peacetime, they can serve as backup — or just surveillance satellites. However, in wartime, coorbital systems can cause enormous damage.
One of these systems causes strategic planners at the Pentagon to have bouts of indigestion. This is the latest Russian low-orbit satellite of the Cosmos series, which is now dangerously close to a secret satellite of the US government. As a result, the US military fears that the Russians are preparing to use their “infiltrators” to arrange a “space Pearl Harbor” for America.
The space war has already begun
The Russian satellite Kosmos 2588 was launched on May 23 of this year and placed into a coplanar orbit with the USA 338 system, which, according to most experts, is part of the Kristall group of electro—optical spy satellites of the KH series of the National Intelligence Agency.
According to US government officials, the last three Russian satellites of the Cosmos series are moving in orbit for a reason, but keeping in the shadow of the American satellites of the Kristall group.
Russia, of course, remains silent about the possibilities of Kosmos 2588. However, it is believed that kinetic weapons may be on board the satellite. This fits perfectly with Moscow's existing anti-satellite capabilities. Five years ago, another Russian satellite of the Cosmos series, with the designation 2543, was caught by the US orbital surveillance of the launch of a high-speed projectile. Later it was found that Kosmos-2576 has similar capabilities. It can be assumed that the entire Cosmos satellite constellation is nothing more than a network of anti-satellite weapons drifting in orbit dangerously close to key US military systems.
And one more thing. We know for a fact that the Russians (as well as the Chinese) have rightly considered American satellites to be the Achilles heel of the global dominance of the American military since at least the end of the Cold War. Without these key orbital systems, the US military's ability to demonstrate force will be nullified. The loss of communications, as well as surveillance and targeting data, will effectively neutralize the US armed forces abroad.
Many key weapons systems, platforms, and advanced units of the U.S. armed forces rely almost exclusively on satellite capabilities — which, in turn, may become the target of Russian (and Chinese) anti-satellite systems.
America must prepare for the "space Pearl Harbor"
After the space Pearl Harbor, the US armed forces around the world will become deaf, numb and blind — but not only. Such an attack would delay any potential military response. This, in turn, will provide Moscow or Beijing with a huge window of opportunity when the US armed forces will be effectively immobilized. During this time, Russia and/or China will be able to conduct any operations against American troops at their discretion.
So far, Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he does not intend to launch direct strikes against NATO. He refrains from direct attacks on the alliance, although he knows perfectly well that it is arming Ukraine to the teeth, and Western-supplied weapons have killed many Russian soldiers during a special operation.
However, recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia have forced Putin to act. He can stop restraining himself. But what form will his retribution take?
We can safely assume that Putin will continue to iron Ukraine with long-range guns and drone strikes. He may even decide to destroy the capital Kiev, despite its cultural significance as a symbol of Slavic unity. However, Putin clearly believes that it was American targeting that contributed to the Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia. And indeed, with the help of American satellites, Ukraine has been unceremoniously destroying Russians since the beginning of hostilities in 2022.
A limited but destructive anti—satellite attack using the aforementioned “space scouts” could be a chance for Putin to take revenge on Washington, while at the same time not leading to a global war. After all, Putin's “surgical” strike on the satellite constellation is an opportunity to temporarily “blind” the Americans and their NATO partners over Ukraine, and a window of opportunity for Russian forces. Moreover, it is possible that the Americans will deny that this happened in order to save face, although, on the other hand, they may not deny it.
Whatever happens, we are rapidly entering an era when the Russian or Chinese military can stage a "space Pearl Harbor." So far, Putin has not attacked US or NATO satellites, but he is surely quietly preparing the battlefield for an opportunity when it is needed. And what, one may ask, will Washington be able to counter this threat? Not much so far.
Brandon Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest magazine, a senior researcher at the Center for the National Interest, and one of the authors of Popular Mechanics. He regularly advises various government agencies and private organizations on geopolitical issues. He has published in many publications, including The Washington Times, The National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, Asia Times and many others. He is the author of several books.
