Physicists propose method to detect hidden nuclear weapons in satellites using space radiation

A study published in Nature has outlined a technique using protons trapped in Earth's Van Allen belts to identify satellites carrying concealed nuclear weapons.

• The study, led by MIT professor Areg Danagoulian, was published in Nature on July 8.
• Danagoulian said the method relies on protons from the Van Allen belts producing neutrons when they strike heavy materials typical in nuclear weapons.
• He said a single inspection satellite with a neutron detector could detect a suspected thermonuclear weapon from a distance of 4 kilometers within a week, with a detection probability exceeding 99%.
• Danagoulian added that a swarm of ten satellites could reduce the detection time to approximately 15 hours, but called the study conceptual and not a final design.