THREAT POSTURE

Who has the capability and the inclination?

RUSSIA

Alongside the US, Russia is the major player in space warfare. Since the earliest days of the space race, both sides have developed space weapons. In the early 1960s, Russia tested Istrebitel Sputnik (satellite fighter), which could approach a target and explode. Since then Russia has tested other systems that could be deployed if needed.

CHINA

It’s clear that China feels threatened by the West’s space capabilities. Its 2007 anti-satellite missile test was widely perceived as a warning that China can defend itself. China has also tested manoeuvrable satellites as part of its Shijian missions. These small craft are capable of intercepting and inspecting other satellites.

ROGUE STATES

Any attack on our space infrastructure from so-called rogue states such as Iran or North Korea is likely to come in the form of cyber-attacks. Although there’s no way for them to win an all-out war against the West, they could target ground stations to disrupt our communications, simply to be a nuisance.

TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS

Terrorist organisations could also use cyber-attacks to target our space infrastructure and they probably have no qualms about escalations. They may feel that they’re simply responding to acts of war perpetrated on them or wish to provoke a war. Either way they have little to lose, and lots of places to hide.