Pre-flood, but dangerous: Russia tests space satellite for nuclear weapons

According to Malorie Stewart, Secretary of the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability, the Russian Federation has already launched a satellite into space as part of its nuclear programme.

Here's What We Know

The satellite, which Washington described as a "nuclear-capable anti-satellite weapon", is located in a non-standard orbit, which is not used by other satellites, as it is higher than the usual Earth orbits.

However, the Russian side claims that the satellite is intended only for scientific purposes and research, and its orbit is located below the radiation belts, compared to other spacecraft. However, experts believe that this information may be just the tip of the iceberg, and that the satellite may actually have great potential for military purposes.

Also, according to Stewart, it is not yet clear that the nuclear weapons themselves have already been deployed, but she also did not indicate how long it would take Russia to do so.

Malory Stewart also explained what "anti-satellite weapons using nuclear capabilities" means. Although there were versions that it could be a nuclear-powered electronic warfare satellite, it turned out to be too "prosaic" - it would be a satellite with a nuclear charge.

Source: Breaking Defence