Geopolitics in space

How China is gearing up for “Star Wars”

Model of a powerful energy weapon from "Star Wars": the so-called Death Star.(Bild: starwars.com)

Space, infinite expanses? Not at all. There are currently around 10,000 active satellites in various orbits around the earth. They are primarily used for communication, earth observation and navigation - and are therefore of particular interest in times of increasing geopolitical conflict.

After all, whoever controls the satellites, most of which - according to the satellite tracking website "Orbiting Now" around 84% - orbit the earth at low altitudes of 500 to 1000 kilometers, has influence and power over what is communicated when and where, as well as special insights that can be advantageous not only in the event of armed conflicts.