Space-nuclear nexus exposes arms control failure
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Russia's development of a space-based nuclear anti-satellite capability and its veto of a UN Security Council resolution show that the next nuclear crisis could originate in space. The US identified the non-operational capability in February 2024, while Moscow dismissed the claim as fabrication. The April 2024 veto blocked a resolution upholding the 1967 Outer Space Treaty's ban on orbital nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
- US intelligence identified Russia's non-operational space-based nuclear anti-satellite capability in mid-February 2024.
- Russia vetoed an April 2024 UN Security Council resolution upholding the 1967 Outer Space Treaty's prohibition on orbital nuclear weapons.
- A Russian counter-resolution seeking a broader ban on placing any type of weapons in space also failed to pass.
The Space-Nuclear Nexus
In mid-February 2024, United States intelligence identified that Russia was developing a non-operational, space-based nuclear anti-satellite capability. Moscow dismissed the claim as a fabrication. The incident showed that the next nuclear crisis could originate in a domain most arms control diplomacy still treats as a footnote.
Arms Control Failure
Russia vetoed an April 2024 UN Security Council resolution aimed at upholding the 1967 Outer Space Treaty's prohibition on orbital nuclear weapons. A counter-resolution from Russia seeking a broader ban on placing any type of weapons in space also failed to pass. The failure of both resolutions demonstrated the breakdown of arms control diplomacy in space.
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