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  • 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?

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.

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