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 built to release vast energy through nuclear reactions, but their effectiveness can diminish in the vacuum of space. Here are some factors to consider:

Lack of Atmosphere

In space, there's no atmosphere to carry shockwaves or heat. On Earth, nuclear explosions produce fireballs and shockwaves that can inflict widespread damage. In the vacuum of space, the lack of air means there’s no blast wave, which significantly reduces the area of immediate destructive impact.

Radiation Effects

While nuclear explosions emit significant radiation—including gamma rays and thermal energy—this radiation can still affect objects in space over considerable distances. However, the intensity of its impact may vary due to the vastness of space and the presence of cosmic radiation. Still, any object or spacecraft exposed to this radiation can experience damage without needing an atmospheric medium.

Targeting Challenges

In space, accurately targeting a nuclear weapon is more complex because of the vast distances and the need for precise calculations. Objects move rapidly, which increases the difficulty of ensuring a successful strike on the intended target.

Space Debris and Collateral Damage

The use of nuclear weapons in space could result in a significant amount of debris, which poses long-term hazards to satellites and spacecraft. This debris can lead to collisions, creating additional risks for ongoing space operations and safety.

International Treaties and Ethical Considerations

International treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, prohibit the placement of nuclear weapons in space and restrict their general use. The ethical implications of deploying such weapons raise concerns about potential escalation and long-lasting effects on humanity and the space environment.

In summary, although nuclear weapons can theoretically be detonated in space, factors such as the lack of a blast wave, complexities in targeting, and the risk of creating hazardous debris can significantly influence their overall effectiveness. The radiation effects can still reach targets over vast distances, but the implications extend far beyond immediate destruction.

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.

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

@ArishMell it's intent is to indicate a nuclear blast would have heat. If only by it's own solids.

The solids heat can not be transferred in a vacuum.

Think of these frequencies more like waves instead of particles. Waves can not have heat. Particles can have heat.

Photons of energy are not particles.