Russia is developing a space-based nuclear weapon to target satellites, U.S. Congress reveals

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Brett is a science and technology journalist who is curious about emerging concepts in spaceflight and aerospace, alternative launch concepts, anti-satellite technologies, and uncrewed systems. Brett's work has appeared on The War Zone at TheDrive.com, Popular Science, the History Channel, Science Discovery, and more.

Russia is reportedly developing a space-based nuclear weapon designed to disable or destroy satellites.

Orbital nuclear weapons are currently banned due to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, although there have been concerns of late that Russia might be backing out of the treaty in order to pursue further militarization of space. "As to whether more can be declassified about this issue, that is a worthwhile discussion but it is not a discussion to be had in public," Himes added.See moreHouse Speaker Mike Johnson issued a separate statement that downplays the threat posed by Turner's request."I saw Chairman Turner's statement on the issue and I want to assure the American people there's no need for public alarm," Johnson said.

A nuclear detonation in space could have both immediate and long-lasting effects in Earth's orbit. In the immediate aftermath, nuclear explosions could cause a multitude of damaging effects; pulses of high-energy radiation such as heat, x-rays and other radiation can"can damage nearby satellites and blind their sensors," according to a 2023 study by the Center for Strategic & International Studies .

The test saw a 1.4-Megaton device detonated 250 miles above the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. The Soviet Union also detonated three nuclear devices at high-altitude that same year.

 

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