Russia is building a space nuclear weapon, US warns

U.S. security officials say that Russia is developing a space nuclear weapon, intended to destroy almost all satellites in low Earth orbit at once. For the United States, an event of this magnitude "would be the end of the space era."

U.S. authorities released information about a potential space nuclear weapon after Congressman Mike Turner issued a public warning about the technology.

As reported by Forbes, the Ohio Republican pressured the Department of Defense to provide lawmakers with a confidential briefing on the weapon.

If deployed, the weapon would violate an international treaty prohibiting weapons of mass destruction in space and could make low Earth orbit unusable for satellites for up to a year.

Beyond the impact on the U.S. and its allies, leaving them vulnerable to economic disruptions and exposed to a nuclear attack, such a weapon would also affect Russia itself, as well as China, although both powers are believed to be less dependent on satellites.

Comparing the nuclear weapon, which is not yet ready for use, to Sputnik, the Russian satellite that began the space era in 1957, Mike Turner was clear: "If this anti-satellite nuclear weapon would be put in space, it would be the end of the space age. It should never be permitted to go into outer space. This is the Cuban Missile Crisis in space."

Meanwhile, nations are rushing to develop their own space and rocket programs, aiming to explore commercial opportunities and ensure they are not reliant on foreign satellites.

https://fortune.com/2025/08/18/russia-nuke-space-cuban-missile-crisis-in-space-satellite-nuclear/

TinyViolins · 31-35, M

A lot of people laughed at Trump for creating the Space Force, but it was absolutely the right move given the inextricability of satellites to many of our economies, our communication capabilities, and our national security. Anyone that can eliminate or control the network of satellites in orbit can dominate any nation of its choosing. It's a massive advantage that a nation like the US can't afford to lose

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

And this is why the above statement is foolish...

Limitations of Nuclear Weapons in Space

Nuclear weapons are designed to release a massive amount of energy through nuclear reactions, but their effectiveness can be significantly diminished in the vacuum of space. Here are some key reasons:

Lack of Atmosphere

In space, there is no atmosphere to carry shockwaves or heat. On Earth, nuclear explosions create a fireball and shockwave that can cause extensive damage over large areas. In space, the absence of air means that the blast wave would not propagate, limiting the weapon's destructive radius.

Radiation Effects

While nuclear weapons do emit radiation, the effectiveness of this radiation in causing damage is also reduced in space. The lack of an atmosphere means that there is no medium for the radiation to interact with, which can limit its impact on targets. Additionally, space is filled with cosmic radiation, which can complicate the detection and measurement of radiation from a nuclear explosion.

Targeting Challenges

In space, targeting is more complex due to the vast distances and the need for precise calculations. Objects in space are often moving at high velocities, making it difficult to ensure that a nuclear weapon would hit its intended target.

Space Debris and Collateral Damage

Using nuclear weapons in space could create significant amounts of debris, which could pose a long-term hazard to satellites and other spacecraft. The creation of space debris is a major concern, as it can lead to collisions and further complicate space operations.

International Treaties and Ethical Considerations

There are international treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, that prohibit the placement of nuclear weapons in space and limit the use of nuclear weapons in general. The ethical implications of using such weapons in space also raise significant concerns about the potential for escalation and the long-term consequences for humanity.

In summary, while nuclear weapons can theoretically be detonated in space, their effectiveness is greatly reduced due to the lack of atmosphere, challenges in targeting, and the potential for creating hazardous debris.

They would be far better off gathering space rocks and other orbital debris. There's a lifetime supply already out there in orbit.

GPT-4o mini
Utilizing Space Rocks and Orbital Debris

Gathering space rocks and orbital debris presents a fascinating alternative to nuclear weapons for various purposes, including resource utilization and scientific research. Here are some key points to consider regarding this approach:

Abundance of Resources

There is indeed a significant amount of space debris and asteroids in orbit around Earth and throughout the solar system.

This includes:

Asteroids: Many asteroids contain valuable metals and minerals, such as nickel, iron, and precious metals like gold and platinum.

Orbital Debris: This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from previous collisions. While not as valuable as asteroids, some components can be repurposed or recycled.

Potential Uses

Resource Extraction: Mining asteroids for metals and other materials could support space exploration and even provide resources for Earth. This could reduce the need for launching materials from Earth, making space missions more sustainable.

Construction Materials: Space debris could be used to build structures in orbit or on other celestial bodies. For example, materials could be repurposed for constructing habitats, satellites, or even space stations.

Scientific Research: Studying asteroids and space debris can provide valuable insights into the history of the solar system, planetary formation, and the potential for life beyond Earth.

Challenges

While the idea of utilizing space rocks and debris is promising, there are several challenges to consider:

Collection Technology: Developing effective methods for capturing and processing space debris or asteroids is complex and requires advanced technology.

Cost: The financial investment needed for mining operations and debris collection can be substantial, and the economic viability is still being explored.

Legal and Ethical Issues: There are legal frameworks governing the use of space resources, and international cooperation will be essential to address ownership and environmental concerns.

Conclusion

Gathering space rocks and orbital debris offers a sustainable and innovative approach to resource utilization in space. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits for space exploration, scientific research, and even Earth’s economy make it a compelling area of interest for future endeavors.

The only reason to put nuclear weapons out in space is to target the earth itself.

The article is clearly bunk on the reasons.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

More b/s from the Trump administration to justify a big increase in 'defence' spending despite there being no physical evidence such a thing exists.

The cold war is alive and well....if you believe in it