Pentagon Official Warns Russian Space Nuclear Weapon Poses Threat to Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Russia is developing a space-based nuclear weapon that could render low Earth orbit—where the majority of satellites are located—unusable for a year if detonated, as per a senior Pentagon official.
“This capability could pose a threat to all satellites operated by countries and companies around the globe, as well as to the vital communications, scientific, meteorological, agricultural, commercial, and national security services we all depend upon.”
During the hearing, Mr. Plumb was questioned by Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, regarding his written statements.
Mr. Plumb informed lawmakers that the Russian nuclear space weapon will be an “indiscriminate weapon” without national boundaries.
“The concept that we are concerned about is Russia developing and—if we are unable to convince them otherwise—to ultimately fly a nuclear weapon in space, which will be an indiscriminate weapon,” he said, emphasizing that the weapon would not differentiate between military, civilian, or commercial satellites.
Mr. Plumb indicated that the threat posed by the developing weapon is not immediate but something to be wary of in the future.
He explained, “But we are concerned about it, the department, and the entire administration, and I know this Congress is taking this deadly seriously.”
