A scientist has proposed a novel system of small satellites designed to detect nuclear weapons secretly deployed in orbit, addressing growing concerns about the militarization of space. The proposed probes would identify tell-tale emissions from subatomic particles, indicating the presence of such weapons in violation of international law and posing a threat to the thousands of satellites crucial for global communications and navigation.

Areg Danagoulian, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, suggests these satellites, weighing under 100kg and built from commercial parts, could operate as CubeSats. They would detect neutron particles emitted by a nuclear device's uranium. This passive detection method, requiring about a week of measurements from 4km away, aims to be politically feasible and offers a technical verification mechanism for the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which currently lacks such provisions.

This initiative comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and US intelligence claims of Russia developing space-based anti-satellite nuclear capabilities. While Russia denies such intentions, the proposal offers a potential deterrent by increasing the likelihood of discovery for any nation attempting to secretly place nuclear arms in orbit. Further research and testing are needed to confirm its efficacy in less ideal conditions and against potential evasion tactics.