Simulation reveals what would happen if a nuke was detonated in space

A 1 megaton blast at 500 km would disable roughly 98% of satellites within a week, leaving replacements exposed to radiation and debris for years.

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Space nuke

SUMMARY

Scientists say a single nuclear detonation in low-Earth orbit could cripple nearly all satellites. A simulation led by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Princeton found a 1?megaton blast at about 500 km would disable roughly 98% of satellites within a week and cause increased collisions and long?lasting radiation belts.

The study warns replacement satellites would remain exposed to radiation and debris for years, and that modern dependence on satellites would magnify societal disruption to communications, navigation, weather forecasting and finance.

James McKeon said: "It would be bad. Very bad. Very, very bad."