China developed compact microwave module

Chinese scientists have announced the creation of the world's first compact high-power microwave device capable of delivering pulses up to 20 GW for one minute. The system, named TPG1000Cs, was developed at the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology in Xi'an. Experts estimate that over 1 GW is sufficient to destroy low-orbit satellites, making TPG1000Cs a potentially dangerous technology for commercial and military satellite operators, including the Starlink network.

Technical specifications: compact size—approximately 4 meters in length and weighing 5 tons—allowing the module to be mounted on trucks, ships, aircraft, and even satellites. Previous models were limited to 2–3 seconds of operation, while the new module provides a continuous pulse of up to 60 seconds.

Targets and consequences: experts believe such a system could severely disrupt satellite operations and shake the space technology industry, forcing it to reconsider protective measures against directed energy.

Context

The first directed energy prototypes were significantly bulkier and operated for only a few seconds.