Science & Technology

China and Russia modify Earth's atmosphere

By T.K. Randall
December 17, 2018 ·  10 comments

The technology could be used to block satellite communications. Image Credit: NASA / Paul A. Newman According to a Chinese scientist involved in the project, the two countries have been collaborating on a way to modify the atmosphere for military purposes.

One of several trial experiments carried out in June allegedly targeted a region of approximately 49,000 square miles above the Russian town of Vasilsursk in eastern Europe.

Electrons were pumped in to the atmosphere using an atmospheric heating facility in Vasilsursk, while a Chinese electromagnetic surveillance satellite collected data from orbit.The experiment reportedly achieved a ten-fold spike in negatively charged subatomic particles.

Such alterations have the potential to provide distinct military advantages by disrupting satellite communications and manipulating the weather.

Efforts to control Earth's atmosphere for such purposes date back to the Cold War.

It remains to be seen what China and Russia plan to do next with the technology.

Source: New Zealand Herald | Comments (10)

Tags: Russia, China, Atmosphere