Global Concerns Rise Amid Speculation of Russia’s Space-Based Nuclear Weapon Program

By Canaan Arinda

Speculation surrounding Russia’s alleged development of a space-based nuclear weapon has ignited a global debate among experts, shedding light on the implications of militarizing space and the potential consequences.

Sky News’ science correspondent Thomas Moore emphasized the critical role satellites play in everyday life, stating, “Everything from telecommunication to GPS… we are dependent on that eye in the sky.”

Dr. Bleddyn Bowen, an expert in space policy and international relations in outer space, underscored the military origins of space exploration, noting, “The bulk of the space age really is about these satellites in space, not astronauts, not the space station, not boots on the moon.”

Though Russia is not clear on whether or not the weapon actually exists, The Biden administration officials in the US have stressed publicly that the weapon is still in the development phase and has not been deployed into orbit.

However, if deployed, they warn that it would mark a significant milestone in the history of nuclear weapons, potentially leading to unforeseeable disruptions in everyday life.

Dr. Bowen also highlighted the risks associated with satellite destruction in case anyone tried to destroy the weapon from space, warning of the potential creation of debris clouds that could endanger other satellites in orbit.

Dr. Sarah Jane Fox, an Associate Professor and Researcher specialising in law, free movement and mobility, discussed the “Outer Space Treaty,” which prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space, raising questions about its enforcement in the face of potential violations.

Dr. Bowen further elaborates on the possibility of using terrestrial nuclear arsenals for space-based detonations, emphasizing the significant consequences such actions could entail.

The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between military interests and the preservation of space as a peaceful domain, prompting reflection on the future of space exploration and the enforcement of international treaties.