Russia’s emerging anti-satellite weapon not immediate risk: White House

(NewsNation) — The White House is working to downplay the new, mysterious Russian anti-satellite weapon that’s in development, offering few details aside from acknowledging the weapon does exist.

Multiple sources confirmed to NewsNation it does not pose an immediate threat. However, lawmakers are demanding more information about the technology and its capabilities.

Information on the weapon remains confidential and top secret.

The U.S. has been informed about the threat for a couple of months now, but as Russia continues to develop the weapon, defense leaders say it is not yet operational.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that while Russia’s pursuit of this capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to anyone’s safety.

“We’re taking this threat very seriously. It is not an active capability, and it has not been deployed,” Kirby said Thursday at a White House press briefing.

The White House described this threat as a troubling emerging anti-satellite weapon that could cause disruptions in space but not physical damage on Earth.

Kirby confirmed the U.S. has been in the process of consulting with allies on the developing weapon, hoping to engage with Russia about it.

The White House team declined to confirm if this anti-satellite weapon has nuclear capabilities, but Kirby said the weapon violates the Outer Space Treaty dating back to the 1960s, which prohibits any objects carrying nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction in space or in orbit.