Assistant Secretary of Defense John Plumb, speaking at a hearing in the House of Representatives of Congress, expressed his belief that a new satellite being developed by Russia is designed to destroy other objects in orbit, which could pose a threat to flights in space.
According to Plumb, who is in charge of space policy at the Pentagon, a Russian space-based nuclear weapon could render low-Earth orbit unusable for a year. His words, as Defense One notes, caused serious concern in US military circles.
Plumb stressed that this new satellite could threaten most satellites operated by other countries and companies around the world, as well as those satellites that are essential for vital areas of life on Earth, such as telecommunications, science, meteorology and agriculture.
He added that such an action could also make space flights impossible for a year. Plumb expressed outrage at Russia's veto of a UN resolution banning nuclear weapons in outer space, calling Russia "hypocritical" and "unbelievable."
He emphasized that the threat is currently not "immediate", but causes serious concern. Mike Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, also expressed outrage at the potential destabilization, which could last at least a year.
