Russian star wars? A real threat from Russia space nuclear weapon
9:57 AM EST, February 18, 2024
"Russia is working on a space-based nuclear weapon designed to destroy satellites with a potent energy wave," CNN reported, citing unnamed intelligence sources.
The potential loss of satellites could spell disaster for everyday life, affecting areas such as communication, transportation, and banking. Moreover, it could lead to the downfall of military communication systems.
Speculation about this "serious threat to US national security" ignited on Wednesday following a public announcement by Mike Turner of Ohio, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. However, Turner, a Republican, didn't divulge details, instead publicly urging the White House to disclose more information on the subject.
The Biden administration has clarified that the weapon is still under development and not yet in orbit. Despite this, officials argue that its potential deployment might signify a "crossing of the Rubicon," according to CNN.
The detonation of such a weapon would yield a pulse of electromagnetic energy, accompanied by a wave of charged particles. This force would radiate through outer space, disrupting the functionality of other satellites orbiting the Earth.
Alarms in the USA, China, and India engaged
President Joe Biden also expressed concern on Friday, stating publicly, "There is no nuclear threat to the American nation or anywhere else in the world in relation to what Russia is currently doing".
"Everything they are currently undertaking, or will attempt in the future, pertains to satellites and outer space, and could potentially damage these satellites," the US president explained.
As reported by "The New York Times," the topic of Russian weaponry was discussed at the Munich Security Conference. Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, discussed it with Wang Yi, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Indian Minister of External Affairs.
While the newspaper doesn't provide specifics on the information exchanged, it does mention that Blinken attempted to persuade his counterparts to convince Russia to make concessions.
