Episode 169 — Special Edition: Russian Nukes in Space? Understanding the Threat and Implications

Episode Summary:

In Episode 169 of the Aerospace Advantage: Special Edition, Russian Nukes in Space? Understanding the Threat and Implications, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum interviews Mitchell Institute Spacepower Center of Excellence Senior Fellow Col Charles Galbreath, USSF (Ret) about headlines we’ve seen regarding a new spacepower development.

Congressman Turner (R-OH) grabbed everyone’s attention last week when he publicly asked the Biden Administration to declassify intelligence findings so a broad range of decision makers and the public could better understand what’s at stake given this new adversary capability. While specific details are still not known, various comments made by senior officials suggest this involves a nuclear device designed to be detonated on orbit as a mass anti-satellite weapon. Not only would the electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) destroy satellites, but the resulting radiation release would also degrade surviving systems on orbit. Slick and Charles break down the fundamentals of this issue, help explain the surrounding context, discuss the implications for U.S. and allied space capabilities, and consider next steps U.S. leaders should consider pursuing.

Credits:

Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

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