// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Co-Orbital ASAT
A co-orbital anti-satellite weapon is a spacecraft designed to enter the same orbit as a target satellite. Once it maneuvers close enough, it can destroy or disable the target, often through a direct collision.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A co-orbital anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon is a counter-space system that achieves a similar orbital trajectory as its target for rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) before executing a kinetic kill or non-kinetic attack. This method enables precise interception of space assets but can be masked as satellite inspection or servicing, posing attribution challenges.
BACKGROUND
Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) are space weapons designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites for strategic or tactical purposes. Although no ASAT system has yet been utilized in warfare, a few countries have successfully shot down their own satellites to demonstrate their ASAT capabilities in a show of force. ASATs have also been used to remove decommissioned satellites.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Orbital Interceptor
- Rendezvous ASAT
- Kinetic Impactor
- Kamikaze Satellite
- Space Stalker
- Proximity Operations Weapon
USAGE NOTE
These weapons are challenging to definitively identify before an attack, as their initial maneuvers can mimic peaceful satellite servicing or inspection missions.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Co-Orbital ASAT.
Russian Ministry of Defence
Operates a series of 'inspector' satellites, such as those in the Kosmos program, which have demonstrated advanced co-orbital maneuvering capabilities by conducting close proximity operations with other nations' satellites, showcasing dual-use ASAT potential.
The primary developer of China's Shijian-series satellites. Notably, the SJ-21 satellite demonstrated advanced co-orbital capabilities by grappling a defunct satellite and moving it to a graveyard orbit, a technology directly applicable to co-orbital ASAT systems.
Operates the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) constellation, a fleet of satellites that perform rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) to monitor and characterize other objects in orbit, a foundational capability for co-orbital systems.
Through its subsidiary SpaceLogistics LLC, the company developed and operates the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV), which has successfully demonstrated autonomous rendezvous and docking with commercial satellites, proving core technologies for co-orbital systems.
Funds and manages programs that develop key technologies for co-orbital systems. Its Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program aims to create a robotic spacecraft capable of advanced on-orbit manipulation and repairs, with inherent dual-use potential.
The U.S. Air Force and Space Force's primary R&D center. Its Space Vehicles Directorate develops foundational technologies for rendezvous, proximity operations, and autonomous on-orbit servicing, which are critical for developing co-orbital ASAT capabilities.
A leading developer of space robotics and on-orbit servicing technology. The company is building the robotic arm and payload for DARPA's RSGS program, demonstrating critical manipulation capabilities applicable to co-orbital ASAT missions.