An attack on a country's satellites could be catastrophic and many worry that space may become a new theater of war.

攻擊他國的衛星可能會引發災難，許多人憂慮太空未來也會成為人類的戰場。

Large powers have developed various capabilities for destroying satellites.

許多強國不斷發展各種摧毀衛星的技術。

Now, companies are building advanced service spacecraft that could become weapons.

現在已經有公司正在製造可以做為武器使用的新型太空船。

The purpose of these service craft is to repair and move existing satellites.

這些勤務艦原先是用來修復、移動衛星軌道。

But all it takes is a change of intent for these spacecraft to become war craft.

但只要人類的意圖改變，這些太空船就會變成戰爭武器。

The Chinese space weapon test, which destroyed one of its own defunct satellites in 2007 created a great deal of debris that put other satellites in danger.

2007 年中國在測試太空武器時撞毀了自家報廢的衛星，產生的大量殘骸也讓其他國家的衛星暴露於危險之中。

If debris from one act of destruction goes on to destroy further satellites, a chain reaction could ensue, rendering some orbits unusable.

如果有一片殘骸再撞上其他衛星，就有可能產生一連串的連鎖反應，最後導致其他軌道無法使用。

This is known as the Kessler Syndrome.

這就是所謂的凱斯勒現象。

Because America's Armed Forces gained more capability from satellites than any other country, America has the most to lose from war in space.

因為美軍藉由衛星獲得的軍事力量比其他國家來得多，因此在太空大戰中美國也握有較多的籌碼。

It is planning to increase its capabilities in the area.

美國正計畫著要擴大它在太空的影響力。

President Trump wants a new Space Force.

總統川普也想要一支太空部隊。

The world will hope for peace in the cosmos, but history suggests that such ideals are not easily maintained.

全球都希望太空可以享有原本的平靜，但歷史卻告訴我們想要維持現狀並沒有這麼簡單。

Coming up next Thursday, why are humans going to Mars?

下週四為你帶來的影片是：人類為何要登陸火星？