US Developing Measures To Counter Placement Of Nuclear Weapons In Space

WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The United States (US) is developing measures to counter the potential deployment of nuclear weapons to space, according to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

"My administration will focus its space policy on achieving the following priorities: ... securing and defending American vital national and economic security interests in, from, and to space by: ... ensuring the ability to detect, characterise, and counter threats to US space interests from very low-earth orbit and through cislunar space, including any placement of nuclear weapons in space," the executive order reads.

According to the document, the country is also going to attract at least US$50 billion of investments to the US space market by 2028.

"[One of the priorities is] Growing a vibrant commercial space economy through the power of American free enterprise by: ... fostering economic growth, attracting at least US$50 billion of additional investment in American space markets by 2028, and increasing launch and reentry cadence through new and upgraded facilities, improved efficiency, and policy reforms," the order says.

The White House also wants its partners and allies to boost contributions to the US and collective space security. 

In May, Trump unveiled the Golden Dome project, which is estimated to cost nearly US$175 billion.

The multi-layered shield will integrate land, sea, and space systems to protect the US from missile threats.

The first major test is reportedly scheduled for late 2028.

However, the Bloomberg news agency reported that, according to experts' assessments, the Golden Dome will cost US$1.1 trillion.

--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI