Could Nuclear Weapons Be Deployed in Space?

For many years, the idea of nuclear weapons in space sounded more like science fiction than a realistic threat. That changed on Monday (September 14), after remarks by US Air Force Secretary Troy Meinck.

At the Aerospace and Cyber Conference in Maryland, the United States announced that it had deployed “orbital space-controlled weapons” designed to protect joint forces from adversary actions, according to NBC News.

Are the new space weapons nuclear?

Officials have not said that the weapons are nuclear. However, the announcement raises questions about the future of military competition in orbit. If countries are now openly deploying weapons in space, how far away is a future in which nuclear weapons become part of that competition?

What does the Outer Space Treaty say?

Concerns about nuclear weapons in space date back to the 1960s. In 1967, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Outer Space Treaty.

Under the agreement, countries agreed not to place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit around Earth. However, the treaty contains no enforcement mechanisms. That delicate compromise could now be violated, potentially encouraging other countries to add their own weapons to the final frontier.

Could space become the next arms-race battleground?

Are you worried about an arms race in space following the recent US announcement? Vote in the poll below and share your thoughts in the comments.