US launches six missile-tracking satellites a day after alarming intel reveals Russia’s plan for nukes in space
The Pentagon confirmed that six satellites, including ones with advanced missile tracking technology, were launched into orbit Wednesday — a day after alarming US intel revealed Russia wants to put nuclear weapons in space to target Western satellites.
Two of those satellites will buttress the Missile Defense Agency’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor program and the other four are configured for tracking spacecraft.
The launch, which was conducted by one of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket in coordination with the Space Development Agency (SDA) and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), comes against the backdrop of elevated concerns about Russia’s growing nuclear capabilities.
“This launch represents a pivotal time for MDA as we enter a new phase of missile warning, tracking and defense,” said Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, director of the MDA.
“These HBTSS satellites are an essential step forward in our efforts to stay ahead of our adversaries.”
The military has been working to bolster its ability to track advanced weapons that can blast past Mach 5, or hypersonic speed.
Since April 2023, the SDA has sent at least 27 into orbit as part of the initiative, including eight for detecting missiles and 19 for communications, per the announcement. It plans to have at least 161 satellites to support its mission.
On Wednesday, House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) sent shockwaves throughout the Beltway with a cryptic threat against US national security.
“Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat,” he said in a statement.
Turner did not divulge specifics, but multiple reports described it as “highly concerning and destabilizing.”
Although unconfirmed, the threat is believed to pertain to Russian plans to deploy some sort of nuclear technology in space that could potentially be weaponized against satellites, according to ABC News.
That rumored technology is not believed to have been deployed yet.
The latest on Russia's interest in putting nuclear weapons in space:
- Russia is reportedly interested in putting nuclear weapons in space to take out Western satellites, according to US intelligence.
- The reports came after House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner announced that Congress was made aware of a “serious national security threat” and demanded that President Biden declassify all information related to the threat.
- It is not yet clear if Russia has space-based nuclear capability, but the Washington Post has reported that the country has already “experimented with the use of nuclear explosions or directed energy to disable satellites.”
- The US and Russia agreed to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prohibits them from “placing in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction.”
- The Pentagon confirmed that six US satellites, including ones with advanced missile tracking technology, were launched into orbit on Wednesday.
Military officials omitted any mention of the uproar over Russia’s rumored space technology in the announcement of the satellites.
“Launching our Tracking satellites into the same orbit with the MDA HBTSS satellites is a win for both agencies,” said Derek Tournear, director of the SDA.
“We’ll be able to look at test targets from the same orbit at the same time so that we can see how the two sensors work together.”
The White House appeared caught off guard by Turner’s ominous warning.
“I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during a press briefing Wednesday.
House Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-Conn.) also downplayed the threat, which he called “significant” but “not a cause for panic.”
Sullivan was slated to meet Thursday with Turner and at least three other members of the Gang of Eight, the group of congressional leaders who get classified briefings from the administration.
