Space War Could Disrupt GPS, Internet and Banking Within Five Years, Experts Warn

A potential space war could disrupt the ground. Experts warn that GPS navigation, internet connectivity, and financial markets could be affected, while civilian and commercial satellites could also be targeted during a conflict.

Dr. Julia Balm of King’s College London’s Freeman Air and Space Institute warned that a conflict in space could emerge within the next five years. She also warned that allied nations face daily targeting in space by adversaries, according to an Oct. 18 NDTV report citing The Telegraph.

Modern economies depend on space infrastructure for essential services, raising concerns that military conflict in orbit could have consequences for civilians far beyond the battlefield.

GPS supports navigation across aviation, maritime transport and road travel, while satellite-based timing helps coordinate some communications and financial systems. Damage to or interference with these systems could create complications across multiple industries. The extent of any disruption would depend on which systems were affected and whether alternatives were available.

Banking and financial markets rely on precise timing to coordinate certain transactions and maintain reliable operations. Disruptions to satellite-based timing could create complications for some institutions, although they would not necessarily bring all banking services to a halt.

Internet and telecommunications infrastructure could also be affected, particularly in remote areas that depend on satellite connections. Satellites are also used for television broadcasting, weather monitoring and emergency communications.

In 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross published a report on military space operations, highlighting how space infrastructure serves both military and civilian purposes. Attacks on satellites could therefore affect civilians who depend on the services they provide.

Military Competition Raises Satellite Security Concerns

Competition among major spacefaring nations has intensified concerns about the security of civilian and commercial satellites.

China has developed spacecraft capable of close-range maneuvers and capturing objects in orbit. Such capabilities can have legitimate applications, including satellite maintenance, but can also raise security concerns when used in a military context.

Russia’s Cosmos 2553 satellite, launched in 2022, has also raised concerns among U.S. authorities. U.S. intelligence agencies have reportedly assessed that it may be associated with a nuclear anti-satellite capability, although that assessment has not been publicly confirmed. A nuclear explosion in space could generate radiation capable of damaging satellites across a wide area.

An Oct. 15 Axios report cited space policy experts warning that civilian and commercial satellites could be at risk during a future conflict. Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute warned that the assumption that adversaries would limit attacks to military satellites was becoming harder to accept.

Why Protecting Space Infrastructure Matters

Governments and satellite operators face the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure while maintaining essential services. Britain has taken steps to strengthen its space capabilities, including the announcement of a Royal Air Force space squadron in September, according to NDTV.

More resilient satellite networks, backup systems and contingency plans could help limit disruption if spacecraft were damaged or disabled. International efforts to reduce the risk of military conflict could also help protect civilian services.

The warning does not predict that a space war will begin by a specific date. Instead, it highlights concerns about growing military capabilities and the strategic importance of space infrastructure.

For people on Earth, the potential consequences extend beyond military operations. A conflict in space could disrupt navigation, communications, and some financial services, although the scale of the impact would depend on the systems targeted and the availability of alternatives.