U.S. deploys satellite jamming system

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The U.S. Air Force quietly has put into service a new weapon designed to jam enemy satellite communications, a significant step toward U.S. control of space.

www.cnn.com...

The so-called Counter Communications System was declared operational late last month at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Air Force Space Command said Friday in e-mailed replies to questions from Reuters.

The ground-based jammer uses electromagnetic radio frequency energy to knock out transmissions on a temporary and reversible basis, without frying components, the command said.

"A reversible effect ensures that during the time of need, the adversary's space-based capability to threaten our forces is diminished," said Capt. Angie Blair, a spokeswoman. "Following the time of need, the space-based capabilities used by the adversary can return to its original state."

I wonder if this has power to jam weapons too? Was why this released so quietly? Something like this should make headline news. I guess the focus is on the elections right now, it could have been planned this way because of the war on terror, but I would this this weapon has far greater implications than the article eludes to.

Originally posted by jeeze louise
Was why this released so quietly?

Hmmm.... not making a big deal about deploying an important strategic asset. I wonder why the military would do that?

Sorry, but seriously, you don't expect a tickertape parade for things like this, do you?

I know I'm coming across as sarcastic, but actually, I am genuinely puzzled. Far more interesting deployments than this take place all the time, and without any mention in the press.

Frankly, I'm surprised something like this made it on to CNN at all. Probably cover for the not-so-friendly non-reversible jamming technology already in orbit.