Recent events have shown that the use of nuclear weapons in space is possible, despite the opposition of the international community. The United States and Japan supported the UN resolution banning the development and placement of nuclear weapons in space, while Russia opposed the initiative.
Michael Mulvihill, an expert in astro-geopolitics from the University of Teesside and a member of the Astropolitics Group of the British Association for International Studies, explained why a nuclear bomb explosion in space has significantly different consequences than on Earth. On Earth, a nuclear explosion creates intense X-rays that heat the atmosphere, forming a characteristic mushroom cloud.
In space, where there is no atmosphere, such an effect does not occur.
Instead, the main danger lies in the creation of a strong electromagnetic pulse, which, interacting with the upper layers of the atmosphere, causes a mass emission of electrons. This can significantly disrupt the operation of radar and communication systems and lead to power outages.
The long-term effect of such an explosion is to create a radiation belt around Earth that can persist for months or even years, posing a significant threat to satellites and astronauts on the International Space Station.
With the increase in the number of satellites in low Earth orbit, the risks associated with nuclear technologies in space are becoming more and more relevant.
However, one of the most spectacular effects of a nuclear explosion in space can be the appearance of a bright aurora that will be visible from great distances and last for several days.
This phenomenon, although striking in its visual appeal, is also a reminder of the serious risks and potential consequences of using nuclear technologies in outer space.
With the ever-increasing space assets, a nuclear explosion in space poses a threat not only to the safety of satellites, but could also have unintended consequences for Earth’s technology and global stability. This underscores the importance of international cooperation and the conclusion of strict agreements to ensure the peaceful use of outer space and prevent the deployment of nuclear weapons outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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