US warns Russian nuclear satellite could cripple services worldwide
US defence intelligence warns that Russia is developing a satellite intended to carry a nuclear weapon, which could be detonated in orbit and disrupt or destroy thousands of satellites. The loss of satellite services could affect communications, navigation, weather forecasting and security, with serious consequences for economies and everyday life.
The DIA says a space nuclear blast could produce an electromagnetic pulse and leave radiation belts that damage satellites for years. The report says it is unclear how the weapon would be deployed and notes that the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits placing nuclear weapons in orbit. The article says about 18 per cent of UK GDP, or £454 billion, relies on satellite services, and cites a warning from UK Air Marshal Paul Godfrey that civilian satellites are particularly vulnerable.
In short
- US intelligence says Russia is developing a nuclear-armed satellite.
- A space detonation could disrupt thousands of satellites.
- UK satellite services support about 18 per cent of GDP.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Russia is developing doomsday space nuke capable of destroying thousands of satellites at once, with devastating global effect”.