Chinese researchers say they have developed the world’s first compact high-power microwave weapon capable of sustained output strong enough to disrupt low-Earth-orbit satellites, raising fresh concerns over space security.
The system, known as the TPG1000Cs, was developed at the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, according to a peer-reviewed study.
It can generate up to 20 gigawatts of power for as long as 60 seconds, far exceeding previous microwave systems that operated for only a few seconds.
Meet the TPG1000Cs, a driver for a high-power microwave weapon, capable of delivering an extraordinary 20 gigawatts of power for one minute, developed by the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology in #Xian.
— Kangxi Emperor 康熙大帝 (@KEmperor2627) February 5, 2026
It could be #Starlink’s worst nightmare.https://t.co/nanBLEYNgl pic.twitter.com/QkPM7T9TzG
Chinese experts estimate that a ground-based weapon exceeding one gigawatt could severely interfere with satellite networks such as Starlink, which operates at lower orbital altitudes.
Those lower orbits, adopted by SpaceX to reduce collision risks, also increase vulnerability to directed-energy weapons.
The findings were published in December in High Power Laser and Particle Beams. The study highlights China’s growing focus on countering satellite constellations through cost-effective military technologies.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
