Space as a new theater of warfare

Objects located in Earth orbits play a huge role in the functioning of our current, terrestrial reality. Disruption or destruction of satellite communication, navigation, and monitoring systems can have catastrophic consequences for the country whose satellites are destroyed. Countries that are leaders in space technology are working intensively to secure their space objects, as well as technologies that allow for the destruction of objects in space. Currently, four countries have the ability to shoot down satellites: the USA, China, Russia, and India. However, none of these countries has a fully developed defense of their satellites. According to experts, a month of combat operations using anti-satellite missiles is enough for both sides of the conflict to be left without orbital satellite groups. The means of destroying satellites are primarily missiles launched from the ground, but also so-called interceptor satellites (fighter satellites, inspection satellites) and other weapon systems placed on orbital platforms. The article presents the importance of space for modern civil and military systems operating on Earth. It indicates the actions of the USA, Russia and China both in the field of defense of their satellite systems and in the area of active offensive actions against the satellite systems of potential opponents. The results of the analysis of the actions of the main competitors in the space arms race lead to the conclusion that a new theater of warfare is being created - the Space Warfare Theater.