Physicist warns public unaware of ‘doomsday system’ in space
8 reported
Physicist Laura Grego, research director of the Global Security programme at the Union of Concerned Scientists, stated that most people do not know a "doomsday system" exists in space. She explained that intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) spend most of their time in space, and the system is built so a president would have less than 10 minutes to decide whether to launch a counterattack. Grego noted that all nuclear-armed countries are investing in modernizing their arsenals, and that all arms-control treaties have expired. She also said that the US is accusing Russia of building a nuclear weapon to be based in space, which would violate the Outer Space Treaty. Grego described the proposed Golden Dome system as "a fool's errand" that is "technically just unachievable." The article notes that SpaceX recently launched on the stock exchange, and has applied to a federal regulator for permission to launch up to 1 million satellites.
What’s reported
Laura Grego is a physicist and research director of the Global Security programme at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
She stated that most people do not know a "doomsday system" exists in space.
A president would have less than 10 minutes to decide whether to launch ICBMs or wait.
All nuclear-armed countries are investing in improving or modernizing their nuclear arsenals.
All arms-control treaties have expired, according to Grego.
The US is accusing Russia of building a nuclear weapon to be based in space, which would violate the Outer Space Treaty.
Grego described the Golden Dome system as "a fool's errand" and "technically just unachievable."
SpaceX has applied to a federal regulator for permission to launch up to 1 million satellites.
Key figures
Laura Grego, physicist and research director of the Global Security programme at the Union of Concerned Scientists
Elon Musk, referenced as the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX's stock exchange launch
Sources: The Guardian
