BBC Inside Science – How is war being fought in space? – BBC Sounds

The vast expanse of space, once seen as a realm of scientific exploration and peaceful endeavor, is increasingly becoming a critical frontier for geopolitical strategy and, alarmingly, a potential battleground. The BBC Radio 4 program "Inside Science," hosted by Tom Whipple, recently delved into this complex and evolving landscape, broadcasting live from the prestigious Space Comm Expo in London. This global gathering of space enthusiasts, engineers, scientists, and policymakers served as the perfect backdrop to explore not only the militarization of space but also its burgeoning commercial applications and vital role in understanding our planet. Accompanied by Professor Suzie Imber, a distinguished Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Leicester, Whipple navigated the cutting-edge discussions shaping our future in orbit.

A central, and indeed unsettling, question posed by the episode was: "How is war being fought in space?" To address this, Tom Whipple engaged with Dr. Everett Dolman, Professor of Space Strategy at Johns Hopkins University in the USA. Dr. Dolman, a leading authority on the militarization of space, articulated the profound and often covert ways in which orbital assets are now inextricably linked to modern warfare. The traditional notion of "boots on the ground" is rapidly being supplemented, and in some cases overshadowed, by "eyes in the sky" and "ears in orbit." Space, Dr. Dolman explained, is no longer merely a domain for observation but a critical enabler of terrestrial military operations and, increasingly, a theater of conflict itself.

Modern military forces are profoundly reliant on space-based capabilities for a multitude of functions. Satellite constellations provide unparalleled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), offering real-time imagery and electronic intelligence gathering that informs strategic decisions and tactical maneuvers. Communication satellites ensure secure and reliable links between command centers and deployed forces across the globe, enabling coordinated operations on an unprecedented scale. Perhaps most pervasive is the reliance on satellite navigation systems, most notably the Global Positioning System (GPS), which underpins everything from precision-guided munitions to troop movement, logistics, and timing synchronization. Disrupting these services, even temporarily, could cripple a modern military’s ability to operate effectively.

The methods of "fighting" in space are multifaceted and often indirect, ranging from sophisticated cyberattacks to the deployment of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. Cyber warfare against space assets involves hacking ground control stations, injecting malicious code into satellite software, or jamming uplink/downlink signals. Such attacks can render satellites inoperable, send them off course, or corrupt the data they transmit. Electronic warfare, a less destructive but equally disruptive tactic, involves jamming satellite signals, making GPS unreliable or communication channels unusable. These actions don’t necessarily destroy the satellite but neutralize its utility, creating significant operational disadvantages for adversaries.

More overtly, the development and testing of ASAT weapons represent a significant escalation. These can take several forms: direct-ascent missiles launched from Earth, designed to physically intercept and destroy satellites; co-orbital ASATs, which are satellites themselves that maneuver close to an adversary’s spacecraft to disable or destroy them (sometimes referred to as "killer satellites" or "inspector satellites"); and directed energy weapons, such as ground-based lasers or orbital energy emitters, designed to blind or damage satellite sensors. The catastrophic consequence of kinetic ASAT tests, such as Russia’s 2021 test against its own defunct Cosmos 1408 satellite, is the creation of vast amounts of space debris. This debris, traveling at hyper-velocities, poses a long-term threat to all orbital infrastructure, including commercial and scientific satellites, creating a "Kessler Syndrome" scenario where collisions cascade, rendering certain orbital altitudes unusable for generations. The international community grapples with the dual-use nature of many space technologies, where a satellite designed for orbital refueling or debris removal could, with minor modifications, become an offensive weapon. This ambiguity complicates arms control efforts and fuels a growing sense of insecurity in orbit.

Beyond the immediate concerns of space warfare, the "Inside Science" episode highlighted the transformative potential of space in other domains. Jodie Howlett, who oversees in-orbit manufacturing at the UK Space Agency, shed light on the burgeoning field of leveraging space’s unique environment for industrial innovation. The microgravity conditions found in orbit, Howlett explained, offer unparalleled advantages for manufacturing processes that are impossible or highly inefficient on Earth. Without the distorting effects of gravity, materials can be processed with exceptional purity and structural integrity.

One of the most promising applications is in the pharmaceutical industry. In microgravity, protein crystals can grow larger and more perfectly ordered than on Earth, leading to a deeper understanding of their structure and function. This enhanced understanding is crucial for rational drug design, potentially accelerating the development of novel medicines and therapies for a wide range of diseases. Similarly, manufacturing advanced materials, such as specialized alloys or semiconductor crystals, can yield superior properties in space. The absence of convection and sedimentation allows for uniform mixing and cooling, leading to materials with fewer defects and enhanced performance characteristics. The UK Space Agency’s focus on this area underscores a strategic vision to position Britain at the forefront of space industrialization, fostering a new era of economic activity that extends beyond our planet. While the logistical and cost challenges of in-orbit manufacturing remain significant, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and high-value products makes it a compelling frontier for scientific and commercial investment.

The program also brought listeners back to Earth, albeit through the lens of space-based observation, with Professor Daniela Schmidt of Bristol University’s Earth Sciences department. Her research presented a sobering update on one of humanity’s most pressing environmental challenges: sea-level rise. Professor Schmidt revealed that new research indicates we have drastically underestimated previous measurements of sea level. This underestimation means that coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure worldwide are facing a more immediate and severe threat than previously understood.

The implications of this revised understanding are profound. Higher rates of sea-level rise necessitate more urgent and robust adaptation strategies, including coastal defenses, managed retreat, and changes in land-use planning. The underestimation could stem from various factors, including localized effects not fully captured by global models, such as land subsidence in certain regions, or more complex dynamics of ocean currents and thermal expansion. Satellite altimetry, which precisely measures the height of the ocean surface, combined with improved climate models and historical data analysis, is continuously refining our understanding. Professor Schmidt’s work emphasizes the critical importance of accurate, granular data in the face of climate change, ensuring that policy decisions are based on the most up-to-date and robust scientific evidence. This underscores another vital role of space: providing the global, consistent datasets necessary to monitor and understand planetary changes.

The "Inside Science" episode from the Space Comm Expo thus painted a comprehensive picture of humanity’s complex relationship with space. From the escalating concerns of orbital conflict, as articulated by Dr. Dolman, to the revolutionary prospects of in-orbit manufacturing, shared by Jodie Howlett, and the urgent environmental insights provided by Professor Schmidt, space is no longer a distant frontier but an integral part of our daily lives and future trajectory. Tom Whipple and Suzie Imber’s exploration highlighted the innovative spirit driving space exploration, while also underscoring the critical need for international cooperation, responsible governance, and a profound understanding of both the opportunities and risks that await us among the stars. To delve deeper into these fascinating scientific discussions, listeners are encouraged to visit bbc.co.uk, search for "BBC Inside Science," and follow the links to The Open University for additional content. The program was produced by Kate White, Katie Tomsett, Alex Mansfield, and Clare Salisbury, with production coordination by Jana Bennett-Holesworth and editing by Martin Smith.