What if Russia conducts a nuclear explosion in space – a scenario

The American Foreign Policy Council think tank has modeled a scenario of Russia detonating a nuclear warhead with a yield of up to two megatons in low Earth orbit. The hypothetical attack targets the Starlink satellite system. The simulation shows that the resulting radiation belt could disable about 11,000 spacecraft within a week. It is noted that the US lacks effective tools to mitigate the consequences.

The American Foreign Policy Council think tank has presented a simulation of a hypothetical scenario in which Russia carries out a nuclear explosion in space. According to the simulation's conditions, the Russian spacecraft Kosmos-2567 detonates a warhead with a yield ranging from 500 kilotons to two megatons at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers. The report's authors identify the Starlink satellite system as the primary target—pressure on it is allegedly intended to force Washington and SpaceX to reduce support for Ukraine. The simulation shows catastrophic consequences: the resulting radiation belt could disable about 11,000 spacecraft within a single week. It is noted that the US currently lacks effective tools to address the aftermath of such incidents. Analysts recommend that the Space Command, together with the Pentagon, deploy a comprehensive countermeasure program within a year, including cyber operations, laser technologies, electronic warfare means, kinetic interception, and adaptation of the Golden Dome system. The article references the report from the American think tank without providing independent verification or alternative assessments.