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What are space weapons. [2][better source needed]
Sep 7, 2021 · The U.
What are space weapons. China and Russia actively Consequently, Weapons in Space carries the legacy of SDI into the post–Cold War era and shows how this controversial program continues to shape the global discourse about instability in space—and the growing anxieties about a twenty-first-century space arms race. Learn how they will work! Apr 8, 2025 · The US needs ‘weapons in space,’ SPACECOM head says The Pentagon has long been hesitant to call for or acknowledge the development of orbital weaponry. The idea of a space weapon involves something used, intended or designed for employment in, to or from outer space to cause injury or damage to the enemy during an armed conflict. Air Force Transformation Flight Plan has several program concepts that include space-basing of weapons. space weapons. The scope of space warfare includes ground-to-space warfare, such as attacking satellites from the Earth; space-to-space warfare, such as satellites attacking satellites; and space-to-ground warfare, such as satellites attacking Earth-based targets. Moreover, systems can have both kinetic and non-kinetic effects that are either permanent or reversible. Apr 3, 2025 · How China is expanding its anti-satellite arsenal The Space Force chief doesn’t like the “curves” of how China is progressing vs the U. According to U. The Golden Dome (formerly known as Iron Dome) plans come amid broader discussions and concerns about the weaponization of space. from deploying nuclear, biological or chemical weapons in space, this new weapon promises to deliver strikes more powerful than many types of nuclear and chemical May 22, 2024 · Russia launches ‘space weapon’ in path of US satellite: Pentagon US believes Russia’s recently launched satellite can inspect and attack other satellites in low Earth orbit. This Aug 24, 2021 · Space based jammers? Kinetic kill vehicles? Ground based lasers? The Pentagon has a space weapon it's ready to show, but it's not clear exactly what it will be. And although the costs may not seem Apr 27, 2019 · For fifty years the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 has provided a stable framework by spacefaring nations to carry out a wide range of activities in outer space. On one hand, nations want to protect their space-based assets, which include satellites vital to communications, navigation, surveillance, and early warning systems. Jul 21, 2022 · Welcome to Quartz’s newsletter on the economic possibilities of the extraterrestrial sphere. Apr 12, 2025 · Russia may be looking to place nuclear weapons in space, which would pose a significant security risk on earth, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said. government satellite on May 16, U. Feb 15, 2024 · Doing it from space is harder, but might allow more focused and persistent attacks, especially if the weapon can be placed close to the target. Note - this list does not include Chapter-specific items or character-specific items. Apr 26, 2023 · Space plays a critical role in the nation's security and prosperity, John F. Aug 20, 2021 · Space Exclusive: Pentagon Poised To Unveil, Demonstrate Classified Space Weapon The push to declassify an existing space weapon is being spearheaded by Gen. Along with the possibility of a direct attack on a target spacecraft, kinetic weapons pose an additional, second order threat because fragments of the wrecked satellite and the weapon become space debris and pose a threat to other space vehicles. Such weapons would be designed to destroy targets in orbit or on the surface of the Earth. Feb 14, 2025 · The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 —a now antiquated multilateral treaty aimed at preserving space as a domain of peaceful research and scientific exploration—specifically prohibited the use of nuclear weapons in space and the establishment of military bases in orbit or on any nearby celestial body. Since the last debate, the strategic context has changed dramatically, invalidating many of the previous debate’s core assumptions and primary Feb 17, 2024 · Bringing the nuclear element into space, be it a nuclear weapon or a nuclear-powered counterspace weapon, will have serious repercussions. The first time, at the beginning of the Cold War, was over the possibility of bom-bardment satellites carrying nuclear weapons. May 27, 2020 · Space-to-space kinetic: Satellites physically intercepting other satellites to disrupt or destroy them, or weapons put specifically in space for this purpose. “On May 16, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that the United States assesses is likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit,” said U. spy experts think it’s hiding something much worse—a nuclear weapon. Jun 20, 2025 · This is a list of the Weapons available to most Space Marine Chapters. Non-injurious, non-damaging space activities that adversely affect enemy military operations or capacity, though Apr 8, 2025 · Global, Networks & Digital Warfare, Space Time for Space Force to ‘clearly say’ it needs ‘weapons in space’: SPACECOM head "The US and France recently conducted our first ever bilateral Oct 28, 2019 · There are 4 types of counterspace weapons: kinetic physical, non-kinetic physical, electronic, and cyber that could be used as an anti-satellite weapon. We have seen the success of the May 11, 2017 · Outer space is of vital importance for numerous civilian and military functions in the modern world. The Pentagon has declared space a warfighting domain. officials said, further increasing tensions between the two countries in space. After being launched, it could remain in orbit for Aug 10, 2022 · Powerful anti-satellite weapons have been developed by rival nations to knock out each other's satellites as the battle for space heats up. Oct 6, 2020 · Given advances in the space weapon capabilities of China and Russia, and the United States Space Force’s priority to project military power in, from, and to space, the United States needs a new debate on the merits of fielding U. Jun 28, 2024 · What more can the United States do to stop Russia from pursuing space weapons that could indiscriminately affect hundreds, if not thousands, of satellites? It should find ways to incentivize China and India to apply economic pressure that will get Putin's attention. “Space is a war-fighting domain," Saltzman said at the Space Force Space warfare is combat in which one or more belligerents are in outer space. dominance in the ultimate military frontier. It provides guidance and procedures for designating and naming United States Space Force (USSF) weapon systems to include military spacecraft. military officials are sounding alarms over growing threats in space as Russia and China rapidly develop space weapons systems. The militarisation of space involved the placement and development of weaponry and military technology in outer space. Air Force is reportedly considering the deployment of a highly sophisticated new weapons systems in space, which is currently under development under ‘Project Thor. Anti-satellite weapon An artist's impression of a futuristic anti-satellite weapon capable of destroying satellites using its "circular saw" extensions Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) are space weapons designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites for strategic or tactical [1] purposes. In a series of statements, US officials said the new Discover how Dr. accusation, which Russia denies, raises questions about how a satellite might be used as a weapon in low Earth orbit and how close the two countries are to developing such a military tool. space defenses against hypersonic nuclear missiles are unnecessary, impractical and would trigger a dangerous new arms race Mar 16, 2025 · Space Force is looking to expand its offensive capabilities with directed-energy lasers, jamming systems and more traditional weapons. Read more about space weaponization, its impacts, and its implications. Chief of Space Apr 29, 2025 · Military French startup developing space weapon to defend satellites and clean orbital debris by Sandra Erwin April 29, 2025 Sep 20, 2023 · Got an Idea for a Space Weapon? The Pentagon Wants to Know The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) call for ideas comes amid increased US concerns about China and Russia May 3, 2024 · Global, Space New details emerge of Russia’s potential nuclear space weapon "The United States has been aware of Russia's pursuit of this sort of capability dating back years, but only recently Aug 23, 2021 · US military officials are debating whether to publicly demonstrate a new space weapon capability, according to the online publication Breaking Defense. Since the last debate, the strategic context has changed dramatically, invalidating many of the previous debate’s core assumptions and primary Oct 8, 2024 · Space nukes may sound like a plot device too outlandish for even a Roger Moore–era James Bond movie, but real life can sometimes outpace fiction—especially when it comes to Russia and the bomb. For months, the service has been preparing to declassify the "black" weapon, but wants to get the timing Of the six categories, three categories of space weapons have been demonstrated by nations either through testing, deployment, or operational use (Earth-to-space kinetic, Earth-to-space non-kinetic, and space-to-space kinetic). Space-to-Earth weapons would include any orbiting asset that used either kinetic or non-kinetic means to attack or disrupt terrestrial targets. The concept originated during the Cold War. May 27, 2020 · It examines how existing international agreements define and limit space weapons and weapons-related activities, proposed international agreements and the reactions of other nations to these proposals, and current developments that relate to space weapons and the weaponization of space To read the full text, view online or download the report. Though the US military has researched space-based weapons, the US maintains its participation in the Outer Space Treaty, an international arms agreement barring weapons of mass destruction from orbit. [1] This was the first and so far the only space-to-space weapon to be fired in orbit. The three categories of space weapons include physical destruction through missiles and other kinetic weapons as well as non-physical interference techniques such as jamming and cyberattacks and directed-energy weapons that use lasers and microwaves. Mar 20, 2025 · New space-based interceptors called for in President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative are all about addressing threats as quickly and as far away from the U. Air Force has a top-secret space weapon and is preparing to show it to the world. The Evolutionary Air and Space Global Laser Engagement (EAGLE) concept will use “airborne, terrestrial, or space-based la-sers in conjunction with space-based relay mirrors to project different laser powers and frequencies to achieve a broad range of effects from illumination to Jan 5, 2021 · Demonstrated space-related technology, namely space launch vehicles, small satellites, satellites as weapon platforms, information technology and active debris removal systems, have broad dual-use consequences that can eventually lead to the weaponization of outer space. But what, exactly, is a space weapon? A new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published May 27, tries to answer that question. Feb 4, 2025 · Rumors of a Russian space nuke, along with other satellite-targeting weapons, have made geopolitical tensions extend into orbit. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said. It also involves the creation of weapons that will transit outer space or simply travel from Earth to attack or destroy targets in space. space superiority and deter threats, pushing for military advancements in outer space. May 12, 2022 · Introduction Even before the establishment of the U. Jan 31, 2025 · A nuclear weapon in space threatens to undo decades of international achievement and undermine international peace. May 7, 2024 · Consequently, Weapons in Space carries the legacy of SDI into the post–Cold War era and shows how this controversial program continues to shape the global discourse about instability in space—and the growing anxieties about a twenty-first-century space arms race. May 30, 2024 · The U. On the other hand, deploying or even testing space weapons can create tensions, trigger arms races, and jeopardize the long-term use of space. Dec 27, 2024 · Space weaponisation refers to the process of deploying weapons in space, which may subsequently turn space into a battlefield. S Feb 16, 2024 · Russia is trying to develop a nuclear space weapon that would destroy satellites by creating a massive energy wave when detonated, potentially crippling a vast swath of the commercial and Mar 30, 2025 · The U. Nov 15, 2023 · Fact Sheet: Space Weapons A growing interest in the space domain has led to the emergence of new weapon systems. But now, U. However, the weaponisation of space—deploying actual combat systems beyond Earth—remains a contentious issue, raising concerns about an impending space arms race and the fragility of existing Oct 7, 2022 · Exploration advocates want to put the brakes on a developing orbital arms race. He noted that the military observed synchronous maneuvering of five objects in low orbit that were controlled from Earth. May 23, 2024 · The launch of a classified Russian military satellite last week deployed a payload that US government officials say is likely a space weapon. Nations have already started deploying space weapons. ’ While the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits the U. has heretofore ruled out could play important roles in enhancing the nation’s overall military superiority and ability to deter hostile actions in space and other domains. SUMMARY Space weapons for terrestrial conflict have been the subject of intense debate twice in the modern history of space. Jan 24, 2025 · Space weapons the U. A lack of governance combined with high stakes competition made frontier. This week: Super-secret space weapons, Rocket May 6, 2020 · Space has long been considered the final frontier, an infinite expanse into which human science, ingenuity, and, perhaps colonies, might expand. in a report sheds light on the complexities of arms control verification in space and offers potential solutions May 26, 2020 · While the current space race may not have the same monopoly on the American imagination as the sprint to the moon held during the 1950s and 60s, it deserves our equal attention. This chapter tries to define the term space weapons in the three categories Earth-to-space, space-to-space, and space-to-Earth weapons and lay out Jan 23, 2024 · The United States Department of Defense (DoD) wants to declassify more space programs in order to boost the nation's military edge in space. A new Space Force is preparing to defend its assets from attack, and hit others if needed. Department of Defense wants fresh ideas on how to maintain military superiority in space. Jan 20, 2025 · As technological advancements lower the barriers to space access, the militarisation of space has become an undeniable reality, with nations integrating space assets into their defence strategies. Space Force’s top officer. Feb 19, 2025 · Proposed U. Since the last debate, the strategic context has changed dramatically, invalidating many of the previous debate’s core assumptions and primary KINDS AND CAPABILITIES OF SPACE WEAPONS By space weapons, we mean things intended to cause harm that are based in space or that have an essential element based in space. Adib Enayati’s pioneering frameworks in spaceborne warfare redefine satellite defense, orbital suppression, and space-based weapons, ensuring U. They claimed it was just for testing how things work in space radiation. Apr 2, 2024 · Russia, China catching up to U. homeland as possible, according to U. A kinetic bombardment or a kinetic orbital strike is the hypothetical act of attacking a planetary surface with an inert kinetic projectile from orbit (orbital bombardment), where the destructive power comes from the kinetic energy of the projectile impacting at very high speeds. Dec 7, 2024 · In recent years, the domain of space has evolved from being a realm of scientific exploration to bec Jul 1, 2024 · Finally, we are increasing the resilience of our current space architectures through the proliferation of space systems and the fortification of our weapon system infrastructure, all while modernizing legacy systems to meet the challenges of the 21st century. says Russia sent this satellite into space back in February 2022. John Space-to-space systems are satellites or other assets that are placed into orbit and attack or disrupt other satellites through direct kinetic impact or the use of directed energy or high-frequency means. This list may not reflect recent changes. There have been some remarkable international cooperative ventures. A Ground-Based Interceptor, designed to destroy incoming Intercontinental ballistic missiles, is lowered into its silo at the missile defence complex at Fort Greely, Alaska, July 22, 2004. [2][better source needed] Sep 7, 2021 · The U. Pages in category "Space weapons" The following 37 pages are in this category, out of 37 total. Michael Guetlein, deputy chief of the Space Force, made the announcement during a defense conference. Aug 13, 2024 · Weapons in space: Study suggests path forward for arms control The Aerospace Corp. Space guns could thus potentially provide a method of non-rocket spacelaunch. Debris is once again an issue here, as is the potential for use of a nuclear weapon, which could have fallout on a number of systems. Dec 21, 2016 · Since Sputnik 1 launched in 1957, nations have been racing to gain a military advantage in space — the ultimate "high ground. Stephen Whiting says the United States military needs orbital weapons in order to be successful if war ever comes to space. Oct 21, 2014 · The term space weapons is often used without further definitions, making discussions complicated and often misleading. Space Force, policy makers, military leaders, and civilian thinkers have openly proposed the deployment of space-to-Earth weapons systems capable of striking targets on Earth, with a lethality only matched by their promptness. [i] In academic discourse, [ii]the press, [iii]and popular media, [iv] two types of orbital weapon systems are Mar 20, 2025 · One of DARPA’s concerns is that Russia has allegedly developed a nuclear space-based, anti-satellite weapon that may be capable of blinding hundreds of satellites. Illustration of space wars between the US Space gun The Quicklauncher spacegun A space gun, sometimes called a Verne gun because of its appearance in From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne, is a method of launching an object into space using a large gun - or cannon -like structure. This means that by many definitions space has already been weaponized. This overview aims to inform the public discussion of space-based weapons by examining their characteristics, potential attributes, limitations, legality, and utility. Gen. This new class of space weapons is generally divided into three categories: Earth-to-space, space-to-space, and space-to-Earth. —and says he doesn’t have the funding to reverse it. Aug 31, 2022 · Pentagon leadership will meet next week to discuss the growing threat from new types of space weapons being developed by Russia and China. in space weaponry, new report finds Russia has ramped up its space warfare capabilities over the last decade as it seeks to regain Soviet-era military advantages Apr 17, 2025 · The Space Force has been upping its rhetoric around the need for weapons in space — and on Thursday it issued a framework meant to provide a “warfighting” lens for planners, operators and Apr 4, 2025 · The threat of the world’s first war in space appears to be rising following comments from General Chance Saltzman, the United States Space Force’s chief of space operations, regarding American plans to militarize space assets in response to increasing attempts by adversary nations to weaponize Apr 19, 2024 · Space weaponization is the placement of weapons in outer space or on heavenly bodies. Nov 23, 2021 · Scientists say these electric launchers are better suited for transportation — like launching ore mined from asteroids to space-based substations. Weapons in space that can knock down missiles have been under development for years and are starting to look realistic. May 22, 2024 · The United Nations Security Council has voted against a resolution introduced by Russia and China that would ban member states from placing weapons of any kind in outer space. Generally this term is used to refer to a capability or system used to deny, disrupt, degrade, damage or destroy or otherwise harm a system, infrastructure, person or group of people. —James Smith McDonnell It is a widely known fact that the domain of space is contested, congested, and competitive. Space-to-space weapons The Soviet Almaz secret military space station program was equipped with a fixed 23mm autocannon to prevent hostile interception or boarding by hostile forces. Mar 13, 2025 · Space Force wants six kinds of space weapons—including anti-satellite lasers Controlling space means "employing kinetic and non-kinetic means to affect adversary capabilities. S. Typical depictions of the tactic are of a satellite containing a Apr 3, 2025 · Global, Space Counterspace capabilities advancing around the globe: Secure World Foundation The report finds that Russia has been increasingly successful at blocking Ukraine's use of SpaceX's The sun gun or heliobeam (German: Sonnengewehr) is a theoretical orbital weapon, which makes use of a concave mirror mounted on a satellite, to concentrate sunlight onto a small area at the Earth's surface, destroying targets or killing through heat and burning. Some consider that in order for a weapon to be classed as a space weapon, it has to be located in space, whereas others include non U. Dec 13, 2024 · This week, Saltzman laid out the military's view of offensive weapons in space in perhaps the plainest language yet. The latter two categories pose difficult Dec 12, 2022 · The United States Air Force has successfully tested its first prototype hypersonic missile, the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW. Mar 24, 2025 · The US has accused China of conducting dangerous satellite maneuvers in space, comparing them to close air combat tactics. Every year, the international community relies more and more on space-based technologies for military, civil, and commercial use. This publication implements Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 16-4, Accounting for Aerospace Vehicles at Units and Installations, and AF/A8 Delegation of Authority to SF/S8P – Space Force Weapon System Naming and Designations, 18 August 2023. Mar 15, 2025 · The space weapon categories Saltzman established included three space-based systems and three ground-based systems. Dec 16, 2024 · The United States is still the top space power but its adversaries are closing the gap, according to military officials and national security experts. Aug 20, 2024 · A senior Space Force general calls for space-based weapons to ensure U. Oct 5, 2020 · Given advances in the space weapon capabilities of China and Russia, and the United States Space Force’s priority to project military power in, from, and to space, the United States needs a new debate on the merits of fielding U. The alliance chief told German newspaper Apr 10, 2025 · U. This paradox The U. John Hyten, the vice chairman of the Jan 20, 2023 · A space arms race is impending. May 21, 2024 · Russia launched a counterspace weapon into the same orbit as a U. officials, Russia is developing yet another new type of nuclear weapon. Senior military leaders, including Gen. If this satellite sets off its nuclear weapon in space, it wouldn’t look like a normal explosion. The treaties that govern outer space specifically allow its weaponization. Jun 16, 2023 · This article discusses the different types of space weapons that could theoretically be developed given current and near-future technological trends. However, it should not be forgotten that the frontier of old was a site of lawlessness and violence. Oct 3, 2023 · Military News Technology Does the US have space-based weapons? They sure do America's military is looking beyond the horizon, embracing the future with Space-Based Defense Systems. Please forward widely, and let me know what you think. This one is specifically designed to attack satellites. " Nov 1, 2024 · Yet details on what kinds of weapons they want remain scarce, and the implications of a space war still gave some officials pause when discussing counterspace and space dominance—reflecting a persistent tension between deterrence, classification, and deep-rooted fears of weaponizing space. The degree of harm we include in defining space weapons may range from temporary disruption to permanent destruction or death. Russia is known to have explored such systems. Mar 6, 2024 · A reported Russian nuclear space weapon ignited discussions about the Outer Space Treaty, an international agreement that set the norms for behavior in space. There is no universally accepted definition of the term ‘space weapon’. Apr 13, 2025 · An Allied Space Forces could help guarantee a free, open, and peaceful outer space. Apr 17, 2023 · The creative conquest of space will serve as a wonderful substitute for war. In recent years, the idea […] Sep 20, 2023 · The U. [1][2][3][4] The early exploration of space in the mid-20th century had, in part, a Apr 8, 2025 · Space Force Gen. Apr 11, 2025 · Space weapons present a complex challenge for international security. " Check out the top 10 space weapon concepts from over the years. nyqaxlrwctjluwfpuqftlqqbecpnuybzgorulopzvwbqpiafcktljaat