Reports from the U.S. state that Russia’s Cosmos 2553 satellite, which has been subject to controversies between the U.S., has begun spiralling out of control.
Space tracking firms speaking to Reuters with data on the movement of Cosmos 2553 stated that Russia’s elusive satellite might have lost control. Space-tracking firm LeoLabs provided Doppler radar data, and Slingshot Aerospace provided optical data.
Officials from the U.S. believe that the satellite is a testbed for the development of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon that can cause mass disruptions. The way it could be a testbed is described as the electronics testing necessary for the operation.
Nuclear explosions outside the intense pressure and heat effect have a byproduct EMP effect that can render surrounding electronics nothing more than functionless bunches of cables and chips. However, placing such nuclear weaponry, in addition to ones to land from orbit to Earth, in space is prohibited by the Outer Space Treaty.
The last few years have seen considerable development activities for new military space assets in the U.S., Russia, and China. The U.S. refusing to disclose its launches’ purposes has voiced concerns of the two others militarising the space with offensive equipment against both land and space assets from time to time.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
