The U.S. government has officially announced that Russia has launched a low-orbit satellite, which is suspected to be a counter-space weapon capable of destroying other satellites. In particular, this satellite is likely to escalate tensions between the U.S. and Russia as it is positioned in the same orbit as the American satellites. Analysts suggest that Russia has taken significant steps towards a space war with the West.
In a briefing on the 21st, Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder announced, “Russia has deployed a new space weapon into the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite on the 16th.” He explained the new Russian satellite as having “similar characteristics to the counter space payloads (carried materials) deployed in 2019 and 2022.” He added, “We cannot share the specific information about the payload, such as what we know or do not know. We will continue to monitor.” When asked if there had been any communication with Russia regarding the new satellite launch, he responded, “We are not aware of any communication.” Robert Wood, the deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, disclosed the launch of Russia’s counter-space weapon before voting on the Response to Space Military Activities resolution submitted by Russia the day before, criticizing that it contradicts Russia’s claim of pursuing space security.
Citing a Defense Department official, CNN reported that the U.S. had been expecting the launch for at least a few weeks, adding that North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command have been tracking the activity. They further explained that if such an anti-space weapon detonates, it could create a massive energy wave capable of destroying satellites, paralyzing numerous commercial and government satellites. The last time Russia launched an anti-space weapon was in 2022 when it launched Cosmos-2553 which is capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Russia began tactical nuclear weapons training on the same day. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had undergone the first step of practical training for the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons in the Southern Military District under the direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the specific location of the training was not disclosed. The exercise included training with the Iskander short-range ballistic missile and the Kinzhal hypersonic missile, both capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Russian Ministry of Defense explained, “The missile forces of the Southern Military District will practice combat training tasks of obtaining special ammunition for the Iskander tactical missile system and covertly advancing to the designated site,” and that “the ongoing training is in response to provocative statements and threats from Western officials.” The New York Times (NYT) analyzed this training as “the clearest warning that Russia could use nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine.”