Space at Risk: Nuclear Threats May Render Orbits Useless for a Year

A potential nuclear detonation in space could endanger satellites, according to John Plumb, US Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. This issue has come to the forefront after Russia blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution on April 24, aimed at banning the deployment of nuclear weapons in space.

Speaking to the US Congress, Plumb elaborated on the ramifications of deploying nuclear weapons in space. "Several analysts have speculated that a nuclear explosion, depending on its magnitude and location, could make low Earth orbit inaccessible for an extended period," he explained.

Low Earth orbit extends up to approximately 1243 miles above the Earth and accommodates manned stations like the ISS and most of the planet's observation satellites. This includes those for espionage, monitoring, or communication purposes, such as the Iridium network and the Starlink constellation.

When asked by Mike Turner about the duration for which this orbit could be rendered unusable, Plumb responded that "it could potentially last up to a year."

In a written declaration, Plumb indicated that Russia's efforts to curb American space capabilities are ongoing, with investments channeled into anti-satellite systems. Russia purports these efforts to counteract "America's excessive dependence on space-based assets for military operations," as it perceives it.

Plumb also noted Russia's history of cyber attacks on satellite communication systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). "Through public statements and actions, Russia has signaled its view of commercial satellites serving its adversaries as legitimate targets," he reported.

The document further alerts us to a concerning development from Russia: "Russia is in the process of developing an alarming anti-satellite system, which includes a new satellite equipped with a nuclear device." This system could threaten satellites owned by international corporations and nations, undermining crucial communication, scientific, commercial, meteorological, and national security operations reliant on these satellites, as Plumb stated.