The scientist assessed the effectiveness of using nuclear weapons in space

In theory, it is possible to use nuclear weapons in space, but this is extremely impractical, since there is a risk of disabling not only the enemy’s satellites, but also your own. This was announced on Thursday, February 15, by Nathan Eismont, a leading researcher at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The day before, the American television channel ABC, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that at a secret briefing in the United States, the military could talk about Russia’s plans to “place nuclear weapons in space” to use them against their satellites. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan refused to disclose details of the discussion. However, he promised to hold a briefing on this topic for the leaders of the American Congress on February 15.

“It’s hard to say how serious this is, but from the point of view of physical processes, yes, it can be done,” Nathan Eismont commented on the ABC message. The expert noted that in the last century, nuclear charges in space had already been detonated by the United States and the USSR before both powers signed an agreement banning such tests.

“They showed terrifying effectiveness in this regard: a nuclear explosion generates a very strong electromagnetic pulse, which disables all electronics at a distance of several hundred kilometers,” the scientist explained. When these tests were carried out, even the power lines were damaged. Thus, nuclear weapons used in space could have quite a serious impact. However, doing this there is extremely inappropriate, because, according to Eismont, the destructive effect cannot be directed solely against enemy satellites. “A problem arises here because the radiation must be directed,” the scientist added. – If a nuclear explosion is carried out, then it is in all directions. So that our own (satellites) remain in order, and others’ ones fail, this is a serious task.”

Previously “MK” reportedthat the specter of Russian nuclear weapons in space has rattled politicians in Washington. The head of the US House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner, called on the Biden administration to declassify information about what he called a “serious threat to national security”, which, as the US administration later began to assure, is connected with alleged Russian plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space.