NEWS: U.S. Deploys Satellite Jamming System, page 1

The United States has fielded a system that will jam enemy communications satellites. This is the first step some experts believe in the U.S. extending its domination to space. The system called the Counter Communications System, was declared operational late last month.

news.yahoo.com
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.

The so-called Counter Communications System was declared operational late last month at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, the Air Force Space Command said on 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."

The device appears to have been put into service considerably earlier than had been projected by the Air Force as recently as February.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

The ground based system uses electromagnetic radio frequency energy to block transmission on a temporary basis. No damage to the orbiting satellites occur when jammed in this manner. The system was originally under a national space policy developed in the Clinton administration. The device which is housed in a trailer and uses off the shelf components.