What Happens if a Nuclear Weapon Detonates in Space?

At The Boundary

At The Boundary
What Happens if a Nuclear Weapon Detonates in Space?
Jun 15, 2026 Season 4 Episode 135
Global and National Security Institute

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In this episode of At the Boundary, Todd Schmidt, PhD, speaks with Richard Harrison and Peter Garretson, PhD, about their new report, Space Nuclear Weapons Analysis.

The conversation covers the growing commercialization and militarization of space, as well as the importance of adopting a more proactive approach to space security by investing in space-based infrastructure and technologies.

The episode also describes what a nuclear weapon’s detonation would look like in space (whether in low Earth orbit or at high altitude) and what impacts it would have on everyday Americans and the world at large. Harrison and Garretson then outline their recommendations for addressing these threats, discussing how policymakers and decision-makers should think about strategic deterrence, space security, nuclear defense, and left-of-launch capabilities. 

As space becomes increasingly central to modern life and national security, this discussion highlights why the United States must prepare now for emerging threats in the space domain.

Links from the Episode:

“Is America Ready for a Nuclear Explosion in Space?” by Richard Harrision and Dr. Peter Garrettson.

Race to the Bottom: Is Seabed Mining Worth the Cost? By Dr. Linda Nhon
Ours to Keep? Diego Garcia, Mauritius, the UK, the UK and security in the Indian Ocean by Dr. Guido Rossi

Why Canada is Essential to North American Defense GNSI Video Series episode

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At the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

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