Context

This editorial is based on the news “Setting up nuclear power unit in space is priority for Russia: Putin” which was published in the Economic Times. According to a recent CNN report, India and China prevented Russia from using nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war. This highlights India’s importance in international diplomacy.

Setting Up Nuclear Power Unit in Space is Priority for Russia

• U.S. Concerns: U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner recently revealed that Russia is developing space capabilities which will threaten U.S. security.
  • Driven by self-interest; USA approached India and China to discourage Russia.
• Russia’s Suspicious ActivitiesSince 2021, Russia has conducted suspicious space- based tests indicating space-based nuclear threat.
  • Space weapons are a threat to all other nations as no country has protection against space nuclear weapons.

Space Nuclear Weapons: Concept and Consequences

• About: Designed to hit targets in outer space (above 100km from Earth).
• Damage to Outer Space Satellites: Generates massive electromagnetic pulse upon explosion, damaging satellites.
  • 72,000 satellites currently functioning, critical for security, communication, and economy.
• Impact on Critical Infrastructure: Damage to satellites can cripple a country’s defense, cause trillions in losses, and disrupt communication.

Historical Context: Starfish Prime and Partial Test Ban Treaty

• 1962 U.S. high-altitude nuclear test Starfish Prime: 1.4-megaton warhead detonated 400 km above Earth.
  • Destroyed U.S. and U.K. satellites, caused blackouts, and trapped radiation in Earth’s magnetic field.
• Similar High-altitude Nuclear Tests Performed by Russia: Russia conducted similar tests, leading to the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963 banning space nuclear testing.

Russia’s Motivations and the Space Weapon Race

• Target Communication System of US:  Russia needs space nuclear weapons to destroy Ukraine’s communication system relying on Starlink satellites.
• Costly Nature of Anti-satellite missiles: Anti-satellite missiles are costly and ineffective compared to targeting all satellites at once.
• Pursuit of Space-based Weapons:  Many countries are developing space-based weapons, including U.S. (anti-satellite missiles, laser weapons) and China (anti-satellite missiles).
  • India tested an anti-satellite missile in 2019 under Mission Shakti.
  • No current counter to space nuclear weapons, giving Russia an edge.

Challenge in Regulating Space Weapons

• Implementation of Outer Space Treaty of 1967: It bans deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space but it is difficult to implement it effectively relying on guidelines and monitoring without punitive measures.

Conclusion

• Previously, countries lacked advanced space technology and emphasized treaty adherence. Rapid development of space-based weapons and emergence of a space weapon race creates a need to revamp the Outer Space Treaty or develop a new treaty through consensus.