The 1,300 active satellites above the Earth
provide a wide array of services,
some of which are vital for emergency response
and for the military.
An attack on a country's satellites could be catastrophic
and many worry that space may become a new theater of war.
Large powers have developed various capabilities
for destroying satellites.
Now, companies are building advanced service spacecraft
that could become weapons.
The purpose of these service craft is to repair
and move existing satellites,
but all it takes is a change of intent
for these spacecraft to become war craft.
The Chinese space weapon test,
which destroyed one of its own defunct satellites in 2007
created a great deal of debris
that put other satellites in danger.
If debris from one act of destruction
goes on to destroy further satellites,
a chain reaction could ensue,
rendering some orbits unusable.
This is known as the Kessler Syndrome.
Because America's Armed Forces gained more capability
from satellites than any other country,
America has the most to lose from war in space.
It is planning to increase its capabilities in the area.
President Trump wants a new Space Force.
The world will hope for peace in the cosmos,
but history suggests that such ideals
are not easily maintained.
Coming up next Thursday, why are humans going to Mars?