Russian space weapon concerns U.S.

The United States fears Russia is developing a space-based nuclear weapon capable of wiping out its satellite network, which the U.S. has no ability to counter

HOW WEAPON COULD WORK

1
U.S. satellite network: Comprised of civilian communications, surveillance and military satellites

2
Russia: Nuclear weapon detonated close to satellites could knock out communications, both civilian and military

If weapon deployed, it would be in breach of Article IV of 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which bans all orbital nuclear weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin

SPACE WEAPONS FALL INTO THREE CATEGORIES

Earth-to-space:
Includes direct-ascent anti- satellite weapons, which U.S., China, India and Russia have all tested, as well as lasers and jammers

Space-to- space: Satellites or assets placed into orbit that attack or disrupt other satellites through kinetic impact or directed energy means

Space-to-Earth: Includes any orbiting asset capable of using either kinetic or non-kinetic means to attack or disrupt terrestrial targets


Sources: New York Times, ABC News, Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation,
U.S. State Department. Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS