Is Russia’s “Tirada” Suppressing Starlink?
On the other hand, Russian media presents a dramatically different version. They claim that the Russian military decided to use the Tirada-2S satellite communications electronic jamming system against Starlink.
There is not much information available about the system in the public domain. It is believed that the development of the equipment began in 2001 when the requirement for a system emerged that could block satellite connection with ground-based terminals and transceivers on aircraft.
The system may have seen several setbacks during its development phase. Economic sanctions imposed by the West could have contributed to the delays since they forced many Russian enterprises involved in the defense and space sectors to move from imported to domestically produced electronic components.
Experts believe that the “Tirada” is designed in two different configurations: stationary and mobile on a wheeled chassis. The mock-up of the hardware with very hazy explanations of its capabilities appeared at both closed and public presentations, including the International Air Show MAKS-2013.
The System Capabilities
The Tirada-1D system, which Russian scientists had already developed during the Soviet era, was the previous version of such a system. The new complex, however, differs significantly from the previous one.
Tirada-2S is outfitted with specialized direction-finding technology to help it locate itself in the sky after processing incoming data to identify adversary communication systems.
This equipment identifies the area in which the satellite signal operates. It is also possible that the machine’s functionality will allow it to receive information from fixed radar stations, which offer more precise information on the spacecraft’s location.
The system creates directed interference that interferes with the satellite’s transceiver. Nothing is destroyed there, but a thick “veil” completely denies the satellite the chance to receive a signal from the Earth.
As a result, the interaction between the spacecraft and ground and air-based stations is completely disabled. The regular satellite signals and even the combat ones, such as military communications and surveillance satellites, can be turned off.
Last Edited by inna on 10/10/2022 10:46 PM
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