China claims progress on real-life 'Death Star' weapon tech
A team of scientists from China claims to have developed a modern weapon inspired by the Death Star laser from "Star Wars." This technology is said to have the capability to focus multiple beams of radiation on a single chosen target, which, so far, defies the laws of physics.
Chinese scientists assert that they have created an advanced weapon akin to the Death Star from the popular film universe developed by George Lucas. In the films, the Death Star is depicted as a terrifying and ultimate weapon of the Empire, capable of destroying entire planets once charged. In the film world, eight laser beams converge at one point, creating a superlaser that leads to the destruction of Alderaan.
A high-power microwave weapon like the Death Star laser?
The combination of several high-power electromagnetic waves focused on a target seems to have inspired Chinese scientists. Recent reports from China, cited by the British newspaper "Independent," indicate significant progress in this area; however, these reports contradict known physical laws. The Chinese scientific team is reportedly working on creating a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon capable of disrupting the operation of key electronic systems such as radars, computers, and communication infrastructure, in addition to missiles and satellites. As the "Independent" highlights, this weapon can minimize collateral damage by concentrating energy beams, making it particularly useful in situations requiring political delicacy.
Researchers reporting their progress in the Chinese magazine "Modern Navigation" emphasize that currently available solutions of this technology do not have effective combat capabilities. The main obstacle is that the synchronization error between individual components generating microwaves should not exceed 170 picoseconds, corresponding to trillionths of a second. Such high precision requires greater accuracy than the atomic clocks used in satellite GPS systems.
Experts note that these types of systems could be much more cost-effective compared to traditional methods, such as launching intercept missiles, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, the precision required to develop such a system raises doubts, and for now, it seems that the cinematic reality known from "Star Wars" does not pose an imminent threat.
