Russia Launches Counter-Space Weapon

It has always been important to have friends in high places. In recent years, it’s become even more important to have satellites in high places.

U.S. satellites located about 12.5 miles over the Earth’s surface circle the planet twice a day. They serve a variety of critical functions.

Including navigation and communications. Plus missile warnings and space-based operations. As well as other activities. America and other countries are very protective of their satellites. And that’s why this news is so disturbing.

Russia has launched a counter-space weapon satellite now in Earth’s orbit. And there is reason to believe Russia is developing a nuclear weapon that could attach to it. Or to another satellite.  

Same Orbit as a U.S. Government Satellite

Robert Wood is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Here’s what he told UN representatives.

“On May 16, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counter-space weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit.

“Russia deployed this new counter-space weapon into the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite.” Previously, a non-nuclear Russian anti-satellite weapon destroyed one of its defunct satellites. As a test.

He added this about the Cosmos 2576 launch. It “follows prior Russian satellite launches likely of counter-space systems to low Earth orbit in 2019 and 2022.”

Satellite Destruction Would Hurt National Security

These types of weapons are designed to destroy – or at least incapacitate – satellites. A weapon used against satellites would cause dangerous global disruptions. And to U.S. national security.

Senior U.S. officials have expressed grave concerns about Russia’s plans. They could have severe implications for military operations and civilian infrastructure.

The Biden Administration has called on Russia to halt counter-space weapons tests. They violate international agreements. Including the Outer Space Treaty. 

The U.S. is also involved in talks with other countries about this dire situation. Including China and India. Japan and Australia have condemned Russia’s actions as irresponsible and destabilizing.

Diplomatic efforts are being coordinated through the United Nations. In order to prevent an arms race in space.

‘Troubling’ Launch Could Lead to Nuclear Attack

The U.S. and other countries have expressed concern about Russia. Especially its efforts to develop a nuclear space weapon.

Such a weapon’s deployment could create a massive energy wave when detonated. It could destroy both commercial and government satellites.

People around the globe depend on satellites. For accessing the Internet and using their cellphones. Even paying their bills.

Wood called the recent counter-space weapon launch “troubling.” And said it flies in the face of Russia’s claim to seek outer space security.

UN Veto Tipped Putin’s Hand

Wood added that the U.S. had anticipated the launch. And that it tracked the satellite’s progress as it was occurring.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command handled the tracking. As well as the U.S. Northern Command.

A tip-off that Russia was planning this launch came in April. That’s when Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution. It called for UN member states not to develop space-based weapons.

Jake Sullivan is the U.S. National Security Adviser. He said, “We have heard President Putin say publicly that Russia has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space. If that were the case, Russia would not have vetoed this resolution.”

Russia Links Aggression to Ukraine War

For some time now, military experts have been saying that space will be the new frontier for warfare. Especially as the world becomes more dependent upon technology.

Russia and the U.S. have been bickering over this issue recently at UN sessions. Maria Zakharova is a Russian foreign ministry spokesperson.

She said America is trying to turn space into an “arena for military confrontation.” Russia had given the U.S. a warning. That satellites aiding the Ukrainian military could become legitimate targets.  

The U.S. has accused Russia of trying to militarize space. A Pentagon spokesperson said, “We have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend… the space domain. And ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the Joint and Combined Force.”  

Our Answer to Threats - Preparedness

U.S. officials have made it clear that Russia’s plans do not represent an immediate threat to public safety.

The nuclear component of a counter-space weapon is in development and is not yet in orbit. But it represents a troubling advancement in Russia’s military capabilities. If used, U.S. officials say it would cross a dangerous Rubicon in the history of nuclear weapons.

Having said that, this threat is like many others. At least in terms of what our response as U.S. citizens should be.

We need to be as prepared as possible. By acquiring communication and power survival tools. In order to keep us safe when systems and infrastructure break down.   

And there’s no better time to get prepared than right now. Don’t wait until it’s too late.