// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
ASAT
ASAT stands for Anti-Satellite weapon, which is a system designed to destroy or disable an adversary's satellites in orbit. These weapons aim to prevent an enemy from using their space assets for communication, navigation, or surveillance.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapon is a kinetic or non-kinetic counter-space capability engineered to degrade, disrupt, or destroy an adversary's operational spacecraft or space systems, thereby denying strategic access to critical satellite services for C4ISR and PNT.
BACKGROUND
The ASM-135 ASAT is an air-launched anti-satellite multistage missile that was developed by Ling-Temco-Vought's LTV Aerospace division. The ASM-135 was carried exclusively by United States Air Force (USAF) F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft. The program was cancelled in 1988.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Anti-satellite weapon
- counter-space weapon
- space weapon
- satellite killer
- direct-ascent ASAT
USAGE NOTE
ASAT tests are highly controversial due to their potential to create dangerous orbital debris, threatening other operational satellites and the long-term sustainability of space activities.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to ASAT.
As a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the USSF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces, developing military space doctrine, and acquiring military space systems. This includes developing capabilities for space domain awareness, protecting U.S. space assets, and deterring hostile actions in space, which inherently involves research and development in ASAT countermeasures and defensive/offensive capabilities.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company, Lockheed Martin develops advanced missile defense systems, space launch vehicles, satellites, and related technologies that contribute to both defensive and offensive aspects of ASAT capabilities, including tracking, interception, and space situational awareness.
A leading global aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman designs and builds advanced systems for missile defense, space intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and directed energy. Their work in these areas has direct implications for developing and countering ASAT technologies.
RTX (formerly Raytheon and United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses) is a major developer of advanced missile systems (e.g., SM-3 interceptor), radar systems, and space sensors crucial for detecting, tracking, and intercepting targets in space, thus playing a role in ASAT-related technology.
Known for its aerospace products and defense systems, Boeing contributes to military space programs and missile defense. Their work on satellite systems, ground-based missile defense elements, and strategic defense initiatives involves technologies that can be adapted for or used in ASAT contexts.
A state-owned enterprise in China and a primary contractor for the Chinese space program, CASC is responsible for developing and manufacturing various space launch vehicles, satellites, and strategic missile systems. China has demonstrated ASAT capabilities, and CASC is at the forefront of this technological development.
A Russian state-owned enterprise that is a major developer and producer of anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems. Their advanced air and missile defense technologies have direct relevance and potential application in the development of ASAT capabilities for Russia.
India's premier agency for military research and development. DRDO successfully conducted 'Mission Shakti,' an ASAT missile test in 2019, demonstrating indigenous ASAT capability. They continue to develop advanced missile systems, space defense technologies, and related aerospace capabilities.