Russia space threat. The access to and use of space is of vital national interest. Though their numbers differ, some organizations try to keep tallies of cyberattacks by the type of entity and sector targeted, among other criteria. Space competition between the United States and the former Soviet Union began in earnest with Moscow’s launch of the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik-1, in 1957. added by Editor Two on August 8, 2025 View all posts by Editor Two → Jul 23, 2025 · As Russia races to perfect a nuclear-armed spacecraft, it is also likely preparing to launch an orbital sabotage mission to threaten constellations of Western satellites. 2019 Iran Military Power 2019 China Military Power 2017 Russia Military Power Functional Threat Reports Nuclear Challenges (2024) Seized at Sea: Iranian Weapons Smuggled to the Houthis Yemen: Houthi Attacks Placing Pressure on International Trade May 27, 2024 · As Russian forces rolled over the Ukraine border in the first moments of their invasion, another, less visible onslaught was already underway – a cyberattack that crippled internet linked to a Oct 28, 2024 · As China and Russia bolster their counterspace capabilities, the United States must modernize its space-based nuclear command. -Russia crisis stability in space have become increasingly important for devising and implementing crisis management strategies. Jul 31, 2020 · Are there rules governing the use of weapons in space? A well-established framework of international law centered on the Outer Space Treaty constrains how space activities, including weapons testing, may be conducted. The broader picture helps highlight mutual interests and a common cause shared by the United States, China, and India. ” Commercial space systems like SpaceX’s Starlink communications satellites and Maxar’s fleet of imaging satellites are playing a highly visible and May 15, 2025 · US space chief warns of emerging threats from China and Russia Gen. Three sources said it pertained to Moscow's efforts to target U. An expert on nuclear strategy explains. May 3, 2024 · In a statement on April 24, 2024 National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, "Russia is developing a new satellite carrying a nuclear device. or partner interests, John F. Feb 14, 2024 · Russia has been experimenting with ways to disable satellites, raising concerns that classified intelligence about a new weapon could indicate a strategic threat to national security. The news broke Dec 16, 2024 · Earlier this year, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee vaguely warned about a grave threat that U. satellites. global leadership. national security interests in, from, and to space. This edition of the Space Threat Assessment by the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provides accessible insights into the evolving global space landscape, outlining key develo Feb 15, 2024 · The US has new intelligence on Russian military capabilities related to its efforts to deploy a nuclear anti-satellite system in space, according to multiple sources familiar with the intelligence. Second, they are developing a robust spectrum of ofensive capabilities to deny the United States and its partners, including Direct-Ascent ASAT Ban: Resolution passed in the U. It also features analysis on the normalization of deviance on orbit and a look into coalitions of convenience that are being formed. It also features analysis on GPS jamming and spoofing, satellite rendezvous and proximity operations, unintentional debris creation, and other counterspace topics. This resource for policymakers and the public leverages open-source information to assess key developments in foreign counterspace weapons. First, the threat that such a weapon poses Mar 7, 2024 · Russia’s decision to detonate a nuclear weapon in space would almost certainly affect the Kremlin’s satellites, too. Feb 15, 2024 · An official told NPR on Wednesday that the threat concerned a space-based nuclear capability that could allow Russia to target satellites. Drawing on eight years of collected data and analyses, this report describes trends in the development, testing, and use of counterspace weapons and enables readers […] Competition. diplomat and the Pentagon said last week, raising new allegations that Russia is weaponizing space. Apr 4, 2022 · The 2022 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. “As the number of satellites grows, so does the threats posed by space debris,” the official said. Mar 28, 2025 · He said threats continue to expand at a breathtaking pace and pose a risk to the joint force. In recent years, Russia and China have upended the way the space domain has operated for decades. “What we’re hoping comes out of Space Futures Command is what we call the ‘objective architecture,’” Guetlein said. Each report in this series catalogs yearly trends, uses, and advancements of Feb 14, 2024 · GOP warning of 'national security threat' is about Russia wanting nuclear weapon in space: Sources It would not be to drop a weapon on Earth but to possibly use on satellites. Mike Turner warns of a ‘Cuban missile crisis in space’ by Sandra Erwin June 20, 2024 Aug 14, 2024 · Russia’s plans to launch a new space station to host cosmonauts and space tourists could prevent its Strategic Rocket Force from detonating a nuclear warhead in orbit. Apr 25, 2024 · Russia on Wednesday vetoed a United Nations resolution that would ban the use of nuclear weapons in outer space amid US intelligence-backed concerns that Moscow is trying to develop a nuclear Dec 5, 2024 · In his first administration, Donald Trump created the Space Force, a clear indication that he recognizes the threat of the mounting militarization and weaponization in outer space. national security space systems posed by foreign government capabilities. Apr 17, 2024 · The 2024 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. adversaries Apr 14, 2023 · The 2023 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. officials later confirmed to be Russia’s development of a space-based nuclear Feb 15, 2024 · Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, October 26, 2023 in Russia. Over the last several years, there has been growing concern from multiple governments over the reliance on vulnerable space capabilities for national security, and the corresponding proliferation of offensive counterspace capabilities that could be used to disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy space systems. Jan 14, 2025 · Does Russian nuclear space weapon exist? What is known about it and how can the civilised world counter the Russian space weapon threat? Jan 23, 2025 · Space Fearing US ‘hostility,’ Russia could ‘escalate early’ in a space conflict: RAND "In a conflict between NATO and Russia, the United States should be prepared to face an adversary that May 21, 2024 · The US has assessed that Russia likely launched a counter space weapon last week that is close to, and capable of attacking, a US government satellite orbiting nearby, US Ambassador Robert Wood Feb 15, 2024 · The New York Times, ABC and CBS reported that the threat was related to Russia developing a nuclear-capable weapon that could be used to strike US satellites in space. Both countries are developing new space systems to enhance military effectiveness and end any reliance Apr 17, 2024 · of Space Threat Assessment by the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Despite the growing threats May 9, 2022 · Russian space chief Dmitry Rogozin has apparently threatened Elon Musk, but the SpaceX founder and CEO doesn't seem too bothered. According to Feb 19, 2024 · Russia isn’t likely to put nuclear missiles in space, but their reported anti-satellite weapon is just as alarming. Such a weapon Dec 11, 2024 · Summary Emerging technologies include not only novel technical inventions but also repurposing existing technologies into new tactics, techniques, and procedures. allies at risk—during crisis and warti e. n. Jun 28, 2024 · For one, looking past the nuclear issue allows an emphasis on Russian motivations in space and the genuine threat Russia poses to space safety and security. Intensifying strategic competition presents a serious threat to U. 151,152,153,154 Russian military thinkers believe the importance of space will continue to expand because of the growing role of Jul 31, 2020 · Are there rules governing the use of weapons in space? A well-established framework of international law centered on the Outer Space Treaty constrains how space activities, including weapons testing, may be conducted. in November 2022 155 countries voted in support, 9 voted against, 9 abstained China, Russia, India, Iran, and North Korea did not vote in favor of the resolution Jul 22, 2024 · The threat from China and Russia’s space-based SIGINT satellites by Matthew Mowthorpe Monday, July 22, 2024 5 days ago · Russia's Space Threat: Ukraine Warns of Potential Satellite Strike#pakistan #pakarmy #dgispr #ispr #paf #indiapakistan #israelpakistan #iranisrael #ukraine #. Jan 21, 2025 · Understanding Russia's perspectives on the space domain and identifying the key factors that threaten U. Russia’s advanced WMD and space programs threaten the Homeland, U. Jun 20, 2024 · Regardless of Russia’s timing or the possible immediacy of this evolving threat, this crisis is the “Cuban Missile Crisis in Space,” and the Administration is failing. China and Russia seek to position themselves as leading space powers while undermining U. considered China another major rival beyond the atmosphere. B. S. ” Feb 14, 2024 · The United States has told Congress and allies in Europe about new intelligence related to Russian nuclear capabilities that could pose an international threat, a source briefed on the matter told May 10, 2024 · WASHINGTON — John Plumb, the outgoing assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said the Pentagon views Russia's pursuit of a nuclear weapon for use in space as a deeply troubling threat Jun 28, 2024 · The barriers erected by the Wolf Amendment, reinforced by over 10 years of U. Apr 12, 2022 · The Defense Intelligence Agency released the new unclassified report which examines the space and counterspace programs that could pose significant challenges to U. One threat is a result of the successes in space. 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 NATO is deeply worried that Russia might be trying to put nuclear weapons in space. Space Force, Headquarters Space Force Intelligence, released a space threat fact sheet: “The access to and use of space is of vital national interest. Chance Saltzman, speaking at the POLITICO Security Summit, said China's "kill web" is the biggest threat in U. First, China and Russia are developing and integrating space capa-bilities that will aford them the same advantages the United States currently enjoy, placing U. How can we protect our space infrastructure? 20 hours ago · Amid nuclear threats, Russia signals intent to continue space cooperation with U. FOREWORD national defense worldwide. Feb 22, 2024 · Here’s what’s on tap for the day: Russia’s new nuclear space weapon concerns Washington, NATO gets closer to picking its next leader, and Congress’s funding fight takes the steam out of Feb 24, 2025 · On February 21, the U. charged the Kremlin is designing nuclear-armed spacecraft to confront Western satellites, Moscow is stepping up threats of strikes on allied spacecraft. But even if Russia never used a nuclear space weapon, Moscow might view its deployment as a new source of leverage, a sword of Damocles it could dangle over every other state’s space systems. intelligence officials have information that Russia has obtained the capability but that such a weapon is not Apr 16, 2025 · SpaceX 's Starlink satellite constellation is facing threats from Russia and China because it was tapped for military use in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the nation in 2022, according to Mar 5, 2024 · TYSONS, Va. May 30, 2024 · Russia recently launched a satellite that is "likely a counterspace weapon," a U. When it comes to countering future Chinese or Russian threats, Gutlein said he was hopeful the soon-to-be-established Space Futures Command would help the Space Force field a more resilient force. Apr 7, 2025 · Space Exploration Satellites Satellite jamming is a real and growing threat. It also analyzes several key events, including the 2021 Russian ASAT test, the supposed Chinese FOBS test, and Russian jamming in Ukraine. N. Sep 25, 2024 · After the U. For example, China has repurposed the Cold War-era concept of a “fractional orbital bombardment system” to deploy a […] Feb 14, 2024 · Russia is reportedly planning to put a nuclear weapon in space, according to multiple news outlets Thursday, revealing what the cryptic “serious national security threat” the chairman of the Apr 28, 2025 · The Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) has released the 2025 Space Threat Assessment, noting that the authors find it increasingly difficult to track the year-over-year number of cyberattacks targeting space systems. Feb 17, 2024 · Bringing the nuclear element into space, be it a nuclear weapon or a nuclear-powered counterspace weapon, will have serious repercussions. Apr 28, 2025 · CSIS Space Threat Assessment: "Based upon persistent radar monitoring by LeoLabs of Cosmos-2553, there is high confidence it has been tumbling since mid-November 2024 This observation strongly Feb 14, 2024 · One of the handful of members of Congress with the most access to America’s secrets warned of a "serious national security threat" on Wednesday. Apr 8, 2025 · SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation is facing threats from Russia and China because it was tapped for military use in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the nation in 2022, Feb 15, 2024 · The White House confirms Russia is developing a “troubling” anti-satellite weapon but says it is not currently operational and underscores there is “no immediate threat to anyone’s safety. Feb 15, 2024 · If the Russians are developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon, as leaked reports from the House Intelligence Committee suggest, two things can be said. Two significant threats face the United States with this rapid change in the domain. Apr 10, 2025 · U. China’s emergence as a space power in the late 20th and early 21st century and Russia’s post-Soviet resurgence have expanded the militarization of space as both countries integrate space and Apr 14, 2023 · This iteration of the Space Threat Assessment provides a framework that describes different types of counterspace weapons and a highlight of the main countries being tracked—China, Russia, India, Iran, North Korea, and others. forces at great risk. This nuke fear comes after new reports suggested that Moscow is exploring dangerous new technology that could be Jul 9, 2024 · The geopolitical arena today is very different than it was during the Cuban Missile Crisis, making Russia's space threat more dangerous. forces, and key warfighting advantag Background Space security has become an increasingly salient policy issue. Sep 26, 2024 · China Adds Hundreds of Satellites for Use in War; Russia Building Nuke to Destroy Enemies’ Assets Russian space nuke could damage all nations’ satellites, Space Force warns By Bill Gertz The revelation that Russia is close to being able to deploy a nuclear weapon in space has raised the possibility of offensive weapons in orbit This United States lead is a challenge to Russia and China, and DIA officials said they expect they will continue to develop counters to American capabilities. It also features an in-depth analysis of Russia's battlefield employment of counterspace weapons in Ukraine. The advances that mankind has made during the Space Age are at risk, and the Administration is sleepwalking into an irreversible “Day Zero. But admittedly, convincing alone might not be enough. Feb 15, 2024 · Members of the United States Congress have raised warnings about Russia's plans to develop and deploy a space-based nuclear weapon designed to disable satellites in orbit. New information, though patchy, suggests that Russia is Two significant threats face the United States with this rapid change in the domain. These findings come from two annual reports published by nongovernmental organizations that Feb 15, 2024 · The US has new intelligence on Russian military capabilities related to its efforts to deploy a nuclear anti-satellite system in space, according to multiple sources familiar with the intelligence. — Despite Russia’s troubles on the battlefield in Ukraine and its relative decline as a space power, the head of United States Space Command warned against underestimating Moscow of Satellites This report provides a review of space policy and describes the Department of Defense’s approach to protecting and defending space systems and protecting the Joint Force from adversary hostile use of space. Dec 30, 2009 · Russia is considering a plan to launch aspacecraft capable of moving a huge asteroid in a bid to protect Earth from animpact, but the target space rock poses virtually no threat to our planet Mar 21, 2025 · The United States is approaching a turning point in space security, and needs to step its game before Russia and China close the gap in capabilities, a Space Force general said. ” (Feb. Feb 15, 2024 · In its most recent annual threat assessment released last February, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence warned that "Russia continues to train its military space elements, and Jul 16, 2024 · This vital authoritative report shows just how dramatically and systematically China has built up its space and counterspace assets, and just how aggressively Russia has developed and postured its own. Second, they are developing a robust spectrum of ofensive capabilities to deny the United States and its partners, including Apr 5, 2021 · Security experts say that when it comes to threats in space, Russia is raising more concerns than China. Despite the growing threats Feb 15, 2024 · White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday that U. Russia is developing a growing arsenal of conventional capabilities, such as theater strike weapons, to target the Homeland and deployed forces and assets abroad—and to hold U. This in turn Mar 26, 2025 · He said threats continue to expand at a breathtaking pace and pose a risk to the joint force. May 3, 2024 · Russia’s amendment goes beyond that and wants other countries to agree to things that Russia believes are defined in the appropriate way – again, limiting it to space-based weapons, but not defining what weapon means, and talking about use of force or threat of use of force. For the last six years, CSIS has used open-source information to produce an annual assessment of threats to U. Apr 25, 2025 · Welcome to the 2025 Space Threat Assessment by the Aerospace Security Project. Russian military doctrine and authoritative writ-ings clearly articulate that Russia views space as a warfighting domain and that achieving supremacy in space will be a decisive factor in winning future conflicts. In this report, the author seeks to better understand Russia's perspectives on space and crisis stability and explores the issue of escalation in space between Oct 31, 2024 · The United States must reestablish a credible nuclear deterrence in space by building on the same foundation of deterrence that successfully prevented the use of nuclear weapons for nearly eight decades: the United States’ unmatched network of alliances. Feb 14, 2024 · The House Intelligence Committee chairman warned of a "serious national security threat" without providing details. and its allies are facing a "serious national security threat," the Feb 15, 2024 · Three terms sure to grab attention: Russia, nuclear, anti-satellite weapon Intel circulating on Capitol Hill has to do with new Russian threat in space. Jun 20, 2024 · Policy & Politics House Intelligence chair blasts White House over Russia’s space nuke threat Rep. Of fundamental concern are the sheer number of satellites China now has in orbit, particularly for ISR, as part of its systematically Feb 14, 2024 · The United States has informed Congress and its allies in Europe about Russian advances on a new, space-based nuclear weapon designed to threaten America’s extensive satellite network, according Feb 15, 2024 · The US government has privately warned lawmakers and European allies that Russia plans to launch a space weapon with possible nuclear capabilities, according to a flurry of reports. " The capability would violate the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, although it is not deployed and not an immediate threat to anyone's safety. has intelligence that Russia is developing a capability to target satellites in space, one day after the chairman of the House Nov 10, 2022 · On October 27, a senior Russian foreign ministry official warned that commercial satellites “may become a legitimate target for retaliation. The U. reticence to collaborate with China on civil space issues, now make it that much more difficult to work together on what should be a common goal: stopping the Russian threat to space. Apr 25, 2025 · The 2025 Space Threat Assessment covers the growing counterspace capabilities of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others. S Apr 12, 2025 · NATO chief is worried about Russian space nukes “The development of nuclear weapons in space is a way for Russia to improve its capabilities,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte tells Welt am Sonntag. Leaders have since described it as “serious but Feb 14, 2024 · A vague warning by the chair of the House Intelligence Committee about a “serious national security threat” Wednesday is related to Russia’s attempts to develop an antisatellite nuclear 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 Apr 12, 2025 · What Happens Next While Rutte warned of the threat Russia might pose in space, Whiting's comments to lawmakers suggested that the U. 15) Apr 26, 2023 · Russia is developing, testing and fielding its own counterspace systems, including ground-based and space-based kinetic anti-satellite weapons. Jul 16, 2024 · Important, impactful insights! This vital authoritative report and accompanying annex show just how dramatically and systematically China has built up its space and counterspace assets, and just how aggressively Russia has developed and postured its own. military officials are sounding alarms over growing threats in space as Russia and China rapidly develop space weapons systems. May 1, 2024 · A senior Defense Department official told lawmakers Wednesday that Russia is developing an “indiscriminate” anti-satellite nuclear device that would pose a threat to all satellites operated by Feb 16, 2024 · A "serious national security threat" involving Russia raises questions about what could happen if US satellite infrastructure were disrupted by a nuclear detonation. Jun 13, 2022 · The Russian space threat and a defense against it with guardian satellites by Matthew Mowthorpe Monday, June 13, 2022 Feb 16, 2024 · Washington — The White House confirmed Thursday that the U. "These novel and unprecedented developments include China's robust counter-space weapons and space-enabled kill chains, Russia's reported pursuit of an on-orbit nuclear anti-satellite weapon and wide-ranging ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missile threats," Whiting said. yicqnmjupcifzqxjiqvedeskufrrddvvfnshnosqoagtvvlo