A German technology company is developing an "unlimited global range" space-to-ground weapon that could theoretically hit any target in Russia, The Times can reveal. Known as the Precision Orbital Deep Impact System (Pods), it consists of a conventional missile that will be launched from a satellite inside a shielded re-entry vehicle to prevent it from being burned up by atmospheric friction as it descends. The "completely new and innovative capability" is being developed by Atmos Space Cargo, which is based near the French border in southwestern Germany. Likewise, it is unclear whether a space-to-ground missile will prove to be technically viable or an economically viable alternative to orthodox deep-hit weapons. One military source noted that its flight path may be relatively easy for enemy nations to detect and track.

A German technology company is developing an "unlimited global range" space-to-ground weapon that could theoretically hit any target in Russia, The Times can reveal. Known as the Precision Orbital Deep Impact System (Pods), it consists of a conventional missile that will be launched from a satellite inside a shielded re-entry vehicle to prevent it from being burned up by atmospheric friction as it descends. The "completely new and innovative capability" is being developed by Atmos Space Cargo, which is based near the French border in southwestern Germany. Likewise, it is unclear whether a space-to-ground missile will prove to be technically viable or an economically viable alternative to orthodox deep-hit weapons. One military source noted that its flight path may be relatively easy for enemy nations to detect and track.