// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Satellite Jamming

Satellite jamming is when a device on Earth or in space intentionally sends out strong radio signals to interfere with a satellite's communication, making it unable to send or receive information properly. This disruption can prevent the satellite from performing its intended functions, such as navigation or data relay.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Satellite jamming constitutes a form of electronic warfare (EW) involving the deliberate transmission of electromagnetic interference (EMI) to disrupt, degrade, or deny a target satellite's uplink or downlink communications, thereby neutralizing its operational capabilities for critical military, intelligence, navigation (e.g., GPS), and communication services.

BACKGROUND

GNSS jamming, including GPS jamming, is an act of overwhelming global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers with powerful radio signals that drown out the signals from the GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, or Galileo satellite constellations. It renders the receiver unable to calculate its position or time accurately. Such jamming can disrupt various GPS-dependent devices, from vehicle and aircraft navigation systems to precision agriculture and mobile phone networks. In civil aviation, GPS jamming can disrupt ADS-B transmission. GPS jamming is a particular type of GNSS interference.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Space electronic warfare
  • Signal interference
  • Satellite denial
  • Electronic attack (EA)
  • GPS jamming
  • Comm jamming
  • Anti-satellite jamming

USAGE NOTE

This counter-space capability is primarily used in military conflicts to blind or disable an adversary's space-based assets, but it carries significant risks of affecting non-target systems.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Satellite Jamming.

  • RTX Corporation

    A major defense contractor, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) is a leading developer of advanced electronic warfare systems, including those designed for counter-space operations and satellite jamming capabilities.

  • Lockheed Martin

    As a global aerospace and defense company, Lockheed Martin develops a wide range of space systems and electronic warfare technologies, including capabilities related to satellite jamming and counter-space applications.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Northrop Grumman is a prominent defense contractor involved in space systems, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity, developing technologies for operating in contested space environments, including those that can jam or counter jamming.

  • BAE Systems

    A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company, BAE Systems develops advanced electronic warfare technologies that can be applied to counter-communications and counter-space missions, including satellite jamming.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    L3Harris Technologies specializes in aerospace and defense technology, providing advanced electronic warfare systems and satellite communication solutions designed for contested environments, which includes jamming and anti-jamming capabilities.

  • Thales Group

    A French multinational company, Thales develops critical systems for the aerospace and defense markets, including advanced electronic warfare solutions and secure satellite communications that involve jamming and anti-jamming technologies.

  • US Space Force

    As a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the US Space Force develops, procures, and operates technologies for protecting U.S. space assets and projecting power in space, which includes offensive and defensive counter-space capabilities like satellite jamming.

  • DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)

    DARPA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for military use, funding research and projects related to space warfare and advanced electronic warfare, including satellite jamming techniques.

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