US launches missile-detecting satellites into orbit as concerns about Russia in space grow

 The US on Thursday launched several satellites capable of detecting global missile launches into orbit, less than a day after new concerns emerged about Russia's space-based weapons capability.

The launch, operated by billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX, includes a total of six satellites. Two belong to the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and four others belong to the Space Development Agency (SDA).

According to the Pentagon, MDA's pair of Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites, combined with SDA's Tracking Layer satellites, will "detect hypersonic, ballistic and other advanced threats before terrestrial radar can."

"This launch represents an important time for MDA as we enter a new phase of missile warning, tracking and defense," said Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, MDA director. “These HBTS satellites are an essential step in our efforts to stay ahead of our adversaries.”

"Launching our tracking satellites into the same orbit with the MDA HBTS satellites is a win for both agencies," said SDA Director Derek Tournier. “We will be able to see test targets from the same orbit at the same time, so we can see how both sensors work together. In Tranche 1, SDA will combine both sensor types as one operational system – medium-field Will fly in a field-of-view performing fire control based on the HBTSS design, and a wide-field-of-view performing warning and tracking based on the T0 tracking design.

The launch came just hours after House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner sounded the alarm about a "serious national security threat" related to Russia's space capabilities.

Fox News later learned that intelligence related to Russian nuclear capabilities in space could put satellites at risk, including potentially destroying US military communications and reconnaissance.

House Intel Chair Turner warns of 'serious national security threat', urges Biden to make public

Sources told Fox News that the Russian capability has not yet been deployed.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan will meet with Turner and three other members of the Congressional Gang of Eight on Thursday to discuss the Russian threat. The Senate is currently out of session, so four members of its gang will not be present.