• ShittyBeatlesFCPres@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    Why does it matter if the nuclear weapon is in space or in some secret bunker (or on a plane or submarine, for that matter). It seems like one in space would be the easiest to monitor and intercept, if necessary, and also the least likely to kill anyone if it has a rapid unscheduled kaboom.

    I get why we don’t want anyone testing nukes in space but I don’t think anyone besides North Korea has tested an actual nuclear weapon since the 90’s.

    • Rapidcreek@lemmy.worldOP
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      9 months ago

      From a space delivery using a hyper sled you could be on target in 120 seconds. No time for any reaction.

      • ShittyBeatlesFCPres@lemmy.world
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        9 months ago

        It’d be a big deal if they launched nuclear weapons from any platform. I’m not saying it’s a minor issue. I’m saying I don’t get why it’s more dangerous than other mutually assured destruction scenarios.

        • grabyourmotherskeys@lemmy.world
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          9 months ago

          Look at it this way. What’s a bigger deal? A fox in the henhouse or a fox on the other side of the pasture in the sights of your rifle?

          Hypothetically, a nuke platform in orbit could just lay waste to a massive amount of communication infrastructure. For Russia, operating in Europe, they can rely on encrypted radio comms from London to the Kremlin but the US is on the other side of the planet. US superiority is heavily reliant on things like satellite intelligence, remote guided ordinance, and a central command well back from the theatre of operations.

          It would give Russia’s outdated crap military a huge leg up and level the playing field somewhat.

          I’m not an expert so all that is just me freestyling but how does it sound? Does it sound like a threat to US military effectiveness in Europe?

          Russia still has to contend with European armies but they have nukes that they could use tactically in the region. If it’s your home turf, you’ll surrender before risking that.