Weapons in Orbit: Reducing Risk in a New Era of Space Competition

The United States has publicly acknowledged for the first time that it possesses “on-orbit space control weapons,” bringing a long-running debate about deterrence, stability, and escalation in space into the public spotlight.

The announcement comes amid growing concern over counterspace capabilities and renewed attention to past reports that Russia has pursued space-based nuclear weapons systems — all against a backdrop of rapid commercial expansion in orbit.

Grounded in NTI’s work on nuclear risks in outer space, the conversation will explore how military use and commercial competition in space is evolving, the role space-based systems play in nuclear deterrence, and the steps governments can take to reduce risk and prevent escalation.

This event will also be livestreamed on YouTube.