The White House has stated that Russia‘s space-based anti-satellite weapon is “troubling,” although as of now it does not constitute a danger.
According to national security spokesperson John Kirby, US intelligence agencies had learnt that Russia had created the technology, but the weapon was not yet in use. He said that US authorities were conferring with European allies and evaluating the data at their disposal. Although Russia’s pursuit of this specific capacity is concerning, Kirby stated on Thursday that there is no immediate threat to anyone’s safety.
“This is not an active capability that has been deployed,” Kirby said. He affirmed that the weapon was “space-based,” but he did not address claims made by US media that it was nuclear-powered or nuclear-capable. “We’re not discussing a weapon that can be utilized to harm people or inflict physical harm on this planet,” he declared.
However, Moscow brushed down the US charges, calling it a “malicious fabrication” and a ruse by the White House to try to get a multibillion-dollar assistance package for Ukraine through the House of Representatives, which is headed by Republicans and is opposed to it. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “It’s obvious that Washington is trying to force Congress to vote on the aid bill by hook or by crook,” in comments that were transcribed by Russian news agencies. “We’ll see what con the White House pulls off,”
Russia is working on a “troubling” new anti-satellite weapon
Kirby, a top aide to President Joe Biden, has confirmed that a space-based weapon armed with a nuclear weapon is being developed in Ukraine. The weapon is aimed at targeting satellites, but the US has not confirmed the threat. Moscow accused the US of using claims of new Russian weapons as a ruse to force Congress to pass additional Ukraine aid. Kirby stated that there is no immediate threat to the US public and that President Biden is taking the development of the weapon “very seriously.”
Besides, Russia has allegedly tested a space weapon, posing a lethal risk to astronauts in low orbit and potentially disrupting vital satellites. Moscow denies the claims, claiming they are “propaganda.” The weapon could breach the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction. Over 130 countries, including Russia and the US, have signed the agreement. Experts believe the US cannot counter such a weapon, and President Joe Biden has requested direct diplomatic engagement with Moscow.
However, House Intelligence Committee chairman Mike Turner issued a cryptic warning about a serious national security threat, sparking rumors around the capital. Turner and other committee members met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss the matter further. Turner expressed a strong impression that the administration is taking the threat seriously and has a plan in place. Space weapons are a long-standing concern, as military experts warn that space is likely to be the next frontier of warfare in an increasingly technology-dependent world.
What do we know about the threat posed by anti-satellite weapons in space?
Aside from Mr. Kirby’s remarks, no particular information on the threat has been made public by US government representatives. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US has to give priority to the “sources and methods” its security services employed to gather intelligence about the danger. The threat, according to the New York Times, ABC, and CBS, stems from Russia’s development of a nuclear weapon that might be used to hit US satellites in orbit.
Washington DC officials, including Kirby, have warned that Russia and China are developing military capabilities in space to catch up to the US. A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggests that Russia is developing a range of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, including a missile tested against a defunct Soviet-era satellite in November 2021.
Former top Pentagon intelligence official Kari Bingen stated that Russia has already used cyber-attacks and jamming to hamper satellite communications during its war in Ukraine. Kirby emphasized the US’s “very serious” response to the threat. Also, Senior lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have dismissed the need for public alarm regarding a potential threat to US satellites.
Critics argue that the threat could have far-reaching consequences, as the US military heavily relies on satellite communications for surveillance, missile launch detection, navigation, GPS-guided bombs, and battlefield communications. Experts and former officials warn that any threat to US satellites could have a significant impact on the American people.
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