{
  "id": 7498204,
  "title": "'Critical for military and economic security': US deploys first-ever 'on-orbit' space-based weapon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/critical-for-military-and-economic-security-us-deploys-first-ever-on",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-15T07:09:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/critical-for-military-and-economic-security-us-deploys-first-ever-on-orbit-space-based-weapon-china-russia-news-101789451845341.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United States has become the first nation to deploy a space-based weapon on orbit, according to officials. US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced that the weapon is capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action. The Space Force spokesperson emphasized that space control encompasses kinetic and non-kinetic means to affect adversary capabilities, both offensive and defensive. This deployment comes amid growing concerns over threats from China and Russia to US national interests in space. Meink stated that the deployment of on-orbit space control weapons is critical for military and economic security, ensuring the US can operate freely in space. The move highlights the militarization of space, which has been ongoing since the space race began in the 1950s.",
  "summary": "A US Space Force spokesperson added that the weapons deployed are \"capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action.\"",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}