The US has recently assessed that Russia has launched a counter space weapon that is capable of attacking a US government satellite in orbit. This is not the first time that Russia has launched such a weapon, with previous launches occurring in 2019 and 2022. The launch comes at a time when the US and its allies are increasingly concerned about Russia’s efforts to develop a nuclear space weapon that could potentially destroy commercial and government satellites.
US Ambassador Robert Wood spoke about the launch at the UN, calling it troubling and expressing concerns about Russia’s claims of seeking outer space security. The launch of the satellite into low Earth orbit was seen as a deliberate move by Russia to potentially attack other satellites. The US had been expecting the launch for several weeks, and had tracked it as it occurred. Russia issued Notices to Airmen about the launch, which is typical protocol for space activities.
The US and its allies have been working to deter Russia from developing a nuclear space weapon, as it could have devastating consequences for global satellite communication systems. In April, the US and Japan introduced a UN Security Council resolution calling for the prohibition of space-based nuclear weapons, but Russia vetoed it, indicating that it may indeed be pursuing such a weapon. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about Russia’s development of a new satellite carrying a nuclear device.
The Russian weapon is still under development and is not yet in orbit, but if deployed, it would mark a dangerous milestone in the history of nuclear weapons. Russia introduced its own resolution calling for the prohibition of weapons in space, but the US vetoed it due to concerns about the verification of a ban on space-based weapons. The US sees Russia’s efforts as a distraction from its development of a nuclear space weapon, and is working to prevent a nuclear arms race in space.
The ongoing tensions between the US and Russia over space weapons highlight the broader issue of ensuring the security of outer space. Both countries have voiced concerns about the militarization of space and the potential threats posed by the development of advanced weapons systems in orbit. The US continues to monitor Russia’s activities in space and is working with its allies to strengthen international agreements that promote the peaceful use of outer space. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether further diplomatic efforts will be made to address the growing concerns over the weaponization of space.
