Space Nuclear Weapons Analysis

The placement or use of a nuclear weapon in space would pose an unprecedented threat to U.S. national security, global stability, and the commercial space economy. It could disable critical satellite constellations, disrupt communications and navigation, and trigger cascading geopolitical crises. Moreover, policymakers lack clear guidance, legal clarity, and operational plans to respond effectively across three phases: detecting and confirming the threat, managing nuclear coercion, and recovering from detonation. The choice facing policymakers is clear: act now to develop the capabilities, authorities, and plans detailed in this report, or risk facing a nuclear space contingency without the tools to deter, respond, or recover. The scenarios and CONPLANs explored here provide the road map—what remains is the will to implement it.