Cosmos 2553: Russia’s mysterious satellite sparks fears of space arms race?

While the world is preoccupied with conflicts on land, another arms race is developing in the background. Cosmos 2553, a strange satellite launched by Russia just before its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has raised concerns about a new space-based weaponry system around the world.

It is only a “technological spacecraft” carrying out radiation experiments, according to Moscow, but defence specialists and U.S. officials are not persuaded. Would this be a sign of a nuclear bomb in orbit?

The arguments

The deployment of Cosmos 2553 may be a precursor to space-based weaponry, according to experts. Satellites might be the target of such weapons, impairing GPS, communications, and possibly military operations. If used, they have the potential to destroy vital infrastructure and throw contemporary society into disarray.

Legal and Ethical Violations

It would be against international conventions to use nuclear weapons in space. Russia’s failure to back previous UN resolutions, according to critics, raises questions about its motivations. U.S. officials have raised concerns about the dangers of an unchecked space arms race and questioned Moscow’s transparency.

Risks Associated with Space-Based Weapons Technology

Satellites are threatened by non-nuclear ASATs, but nuclear versions might have disastrous consequences, such as widespread EMP bursts. These might affect ground-based infrastructure and satellites, causing unheard-of worldwide disruption.

Potential for Kinetic Collateral Damage

Space debris could be produced by using kinetic weapons, such missiles, to destroy satellites. Other satellites and space stations would be put in danger by this debris, which could harm space operations in the long run.

The Global Space Race Gets More Intense

Countries such as the United States and China are increasing their space capabilities and creating cutting-edge technology that may be turned into weapons. In addition to escalating stress, this race raises the possibility of errors in judgement and spatial conflict.

The facts

Russia launched the Cosmos 2553 satellite from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in February 2022 using a Soyuz-2 rocket. Located in low-Earth orbit (LEO), some 2,000 kilometres above the planet, the satellite is in what are known as “graveyard orbits,” which are places where retired satellites are left.

Official Declarations and Responses

Cosmos 2553 is a “technological spacecraft” that is intended to test equipment against radiation, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. But according to U.S. officials, it might be a co-orbital anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) prototype.

Historical Precedents of Space-Based Weapons

The disastrous consequences of detonating nuclear bombs in space were illustrated during the 1962 Starfish Prime nuclear test. This incident demonstrated the catastrophic potential of space-based EMPs by interfering with communications in Hawaii.

Space Law and International Concerns

Major nations, including the United States and Russia, ratified the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which forbids the use of nuclear weapons in orbit. Even still, worries about possible infractions remain, particularly in light of Russia’s recent veto of a UN resolution aimed at averting a space arms race.

New Militarisation in Space

By testing satellites with robotic arms that can destroy other satellites, China has further enhanced its space capabilities. The X-37B is a classified space drone operated by the United States. These advancements show that there is increasing interest in dual-purpose technologies that may be used for both military and civilian purposes.