According to a story by The South China Morning Post (SCMP) Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially revolutionize the detection of stealth aircraft using radiation from SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. This development has significant implications for military technology and aerial warfare strategies.
Note that, we were unable to find the original source research report to validate the SCMP story, so take this information with a grain of salt.
The Experiment
A team of Chinese scientists, led by Professor Yi Jianxin from Wuhan University’s School of Electronic Information, conducted an experiment off the coast of Guangdong in the South China Sea. They used a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone as a proxy for a stealth aircraft, as it has a radar cross-section similar to that of a stealth fighter.
The researchers employed a ground-based radar system that did not emit any radio waves. Despite this, they were able to detect the small drone on their screens. This detection was made possible by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a Starlink satellite passing over the Philippines at the time of the experiment.
The Technology
The principle behind this detection method is based on the concept of forward scattering. When an aircraft flies between a satellite and a ground-based antenna, it can disrupt the satellite’s electromagnetic signals. These disturbances can be detected by ground radar to locate and track targets.
Professor Yi and his team claim that their detection technique is “unaffected by the target’s three-dimensional shape and surface material”. This is particularly significant because stealth aircraft are designed with specific geometric shapes and radar-absorbing coatings to minimize their visibility to traditional radar systems.
Implications for Stealth Technology
If this technology proves to be effective on a larger scale, it could potentially neutralize the advantage of stealth aircraft, which have been a cornerstone of modern air warfare strategy. The United States, in particular, has invested heavily in stealth technology for its fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
The Chinese researchers assert that their method could “provide significant advantages in detecting small and stealth targets”. This could grant the Chinese military a strategic edge on the battlefield, especially in potential conflicts where stealth aircraft play a crucial role.
Starlink’s Unintended Role
Ironically, this development comes at a time when China has expressed concerns about the potential military applications of Starlink. In 2022, Chinese researchers were exploring ways to disable Starlink satellites if they posed a national security threat. Now, it appears that the Starlink constellation might inadvertently aid Chinese military capabilities instead.
SpaceX’s Starlink network, which consists of over 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, generates high-frequency radio signals to provide internet speeds of up to 220 Mbps. The pervasiveness of these signals makes them an ideal medium for this new detection method.
Challenges and Limitations
It’s important to note that the experiment has only been conducted on a small scale with a drone flying at relatively low altitudes. It remains to be seen whether this technology can effectively detect larger stealth aircraft flying at higher altitudes and speeds.
Additionally, while the Chinese government’s State Radio Monitoring Centre oversaw the experiment and the findings underwent peer review, independent verification of these claims by other nations or researchers has not yet been reported.
Summary
This research represents a potentially significant shift in the balance of air warfare technology. If further developed and proven effective, it could force a reevaluation of stealth technology and military strategies worldwide. However, more research and independent verification are needed to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of this new detection method.
