The Bottom Line Upfront
John Plumb, the assistant secretary of defense for Space policy, has warned lawmakers about Russia's development of an "indiscriminate" anti-satellite nuclear weapon that could pose a threat to satellites worldwide.
The Breakdown
The weapon, if deployed, could render low-Earth orbit unusable for up to a year due to radiation from a nuclear detonation.
This development raises concerns about the potential disruption of vital services that rely on satellites, including communication, scientific research, weather forecasting, and national security operations.
The Pentagon and the Biden administration are concerned about Russia's program to develop an anti-satellite nuclear weapon.
The potential deployment of such a weapon could have devastating consequences for Space capabilities, not only for the United States but also for other countries. It is considered irresponsible to even consider employing a nuclear device in Space..
