CHINESE scientists claim to have built a giant weapon inspired by Star Wars that can wipe out enemy satellites in orbit.
The terrifying real life “Death Star” is capable of focusing multiple microwave beams onto a single target.
Chinese scientist have built a microwave beam weapon inspired by the Death Star from Star Wars[/caption]
A laser directed energy weapon system at DSEI arms fair at ExCel in London[/caption]
The weapon system has recently has completed experimental trials on its potential military use.
China has been developing high-powered microwave (HPM) weapons with the potential to disrupt radar systems, computers, communication infrastructures, and even missiles and satellites.
The new type of high-powered “Death Star” weapon combines electromagnetic waves with ultra-precise timing to merge into a powerful energy beam.
While the weapon sounds absolutely terrifying, for the “Death Star” to work, it must sync the microwave beans to arrive in the same form to effectively function.
Each microwave-producing component, called vehicles, should not exceed 170 picoseconds – or trillionths of a second, according to scientists.
The needed precision is much greater than the atomic clocks used for GPS satellites.
However, Chinese scientists believe they have cracked the problem and achieved “ultra-high time precision synchronisation”, according to the South China Morning Post.
They claim to have achieved this synchronisation by connecting microwave-transmitting vehicles using optical fibres.
Chinese scientists say the latest technology could suppress signals of American GPS and other satellites, “achieving multiple goals such as teaching and training, new technology verification, and military exercises.”
The specific features of the weapon and its parameters remain confidential.
Experts have previously noted that China’s research into directed energy programmes is likely aimed to negate specific US strengths by affecting the sensors on US precision strike weapons and satellites.
Chinese academic publications suggest that microwave beam weapons are developed more for use on space platforms like satellites, while advanced lasers are being built for land, naval, or air.
Inspired by sci-fi
The Death Star is the most iconic super-weapon in Star Wars.
While the latest energy beam weapon takes its inspiration from Star Wars, there are several key differences between the latest technology and the fictional Death Star.
Fans of the sci-fi franchise will know that the Death Star’s main weapon uses kyber crystals.
The crystals can generate enough power through several laser cannons, that merge at a single point to generate a beam so powerful it can destroy entire planets.
Thankfully, the latest weapon development doesn’t have the power to blow up entire planets.
Meanwhile Chinese astronauts have given the first-ever recorded tour of the Tiangong space station, which orbits roughly 400km above Earth.
The orbital outpost is much more luxurious than the International Space Station (ISS), which was launched in 1998.
Decorated with red paper lanterns for the occasion, Shenzhou-18 crew members Ye Guangfu, Li Song, and Li Gangsu gave a seven-minute-long tour of their temporary abode, shared by Chinese state-owned news agency CCTV.
The core module, where astronauts said they spend most of their time, is where the management control centre is stationed.
But it also features some home comforts, like a small dining table, a microwave, fridge and water dispenser.
The Death Star has a powerful energy beam weapon capable of destroying planets[/caption]
The Death Star from Stars Wars[/caption]
