Russia Tracks NATO Satellites from Space: Germany Warns of Growing Threat

GERMAN DEFENSE MINISTER WARNS OF SPACE THREATS FROM RUSSIA AND CHINA BERLIN - Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, called for increased investment in space security Thursday, citing the threat posed by Russian spacecraft tracking two communications satellites used by the German military. Pistorius made the remarks at the German industry's Space Congress event in Berlin, where he revealed that Russia has been monitoring the satellites. He warned that the country must ramp up its investment in space security to counter threats from Russia and China, which have rapidly expanded their capacity for space warfare. "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." Pistorius emphasized the importance of controlling the high ground, saying that Russia and China already occupy important strategic positions in space. He noted that satellite networks are now a vulnerable point for modern societies. "Anyone who attacks them can paralyze entire countries," Pistorius said. "We know that the conflicts of the future will be fought in space." The German defense minister's comments come as NATO is increasingly concerned about the potential for space-based threats to its operations. In recent years, Russia and China have demonstrated their capabilities in space warfare, including the destruction of satellites. A spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Berlin declined to comment on Pistorius' remarks, saying that the country's space program is focused on peaceful uses of space. The German government has been increasing its investment in space security in recent years. In 2020, it established a new agency responsible for coordinating Germany's space policy and providing support for the development of the country's space industry. Pistorius' call for increased investment in space security is likely to be met with support from other European countries, which have also expressed concerns about the potential for space-based threats. However, some experts have questioned the effectiveness of investing in space defense capabilities, arguing that it may not be a cost-effective solution. The German defense minister's comments are part of a broader debate about the role of space in modern warfare and the need for countries to invest in space security. As tensions between major powers continue to rise, the importance of controlling the high ground in space is becoming increasingly clear. In related news, NATO officials have been discussing the potential for a new agreement on space security among member states. The talks are expected to focus on establishing common standards and guidelines for space operations and ensuring that member countries can work together to counter space-based threats. The German defense minister's warning about the threat posed by Russia and China in space highlights the need for increased investment in space security. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on satellite technology, the potential consequences of a space-based attack are becoming clearer. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*