GERMANY CONSIDERS SPACE DEFENSE AFTER RUSSIA TRACKS NATO SATELLITES
BERLIN - Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, called for increased investment in space security Thursday, citing Russia's tracking of two communications satellites used by the German military. The move comes as tensions rise between NATO and Moscow over the use of space for military purposes.
Pistorius made the remarks at the German industry's Space Congress event in Berlin, where he emphasized the need to counter threats from Russia and China. "They can jam, blind, manipulate, or kinetically destroy satellites," Pistorius said. "There are no borders or continents in space. Russia and China are our direct neighbors there."
The tracking of NATO satellites by Russian spacecraft has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of modern societies to space-based attacks. Satellite networks are seen as critical infrastructure, and disruptions could have significant economic and social impacts.
Pistorius' comments reflect a growing concern among European defense officials about the militarization of space. In recent years, Russia and China have expanded their capabilities in space warfare, including anti-satellite missiles and cyberattacks on satellite systems.
The German minister's call for increased investment in space security has been met with support from some experts. "It's a necessary step to protect our interests in space," said Dr. Anna König-Jobin, a space policy expert at the German Aerospace Center. "We need to be prepared to defend ourselves against potential threats."
However, not all experts agree on the need for increased military spending in space. "We should focus on diplomacy and international cooperation to prevent conflicts in space," said Dr. Jürgen Scheffran, a professor of peace research at the University of Kiel.
The German government has yet to announce specific plans for increasing its investment in space security. However, Pistorius' comments suggest that the country is taking steps to address the growing threat from Russia and China.
As tensions rise over the use of space for military purposes, NATO officials are expected to discuss the issue further at an upcoming meeting in Brussels. The alliance has already taken steps to enhance its space capabilities, including the establishment of a new space operations center.
In related news, the European Space Agency (ESA) has expressed concerns about the militarization of space and its potential impact on international cooperation. "We need to work together to prevent conflicts in space and ensure that our activities are guided by international law," said ESA Director-General Jan Woerner.
The tracking of NATO satellites by Russian spacecraft is just one aspect of a broader trend towards the militarization of space. As countries continue to develop their capabilities in space warfare, the risk of conflict in this domain is growing.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
