U.S. space systems are some of the most vulnerable military assets the Defense Department has. A small chuck of metal can easily disable a satellite, as can lasers and other electronic weapons. On the ground, a cyber-attack could cut off the military’s ability to communicate with and control assets in space. And a spy satellite becomes useless if someone spray paints over the camera — an actual offensive tactic that’s been discussed among space experts. In 1985, the U.S. was first able to destroy a satellite in orbit by launching a missile from a high-flying F-15 Eagle. China and Russia have followed suit. In 2007, the Chinese successfully targeted and … Continue reading Phillip Swarts