The US effort to stop an arms race in outer space has failed

Russia blocked the US and Japan as they tried to push a resolution in the UN's Security Council to prevent an arms race in outer space.

Putin's representatives used their country's veto power, which four other countries, including the US, have, to prevent the resolution from passing.

According to the Financial Times, satellites are a significant advantage that the US holds over other countries regarding military intelligence so that space weapons could be a severe threat.

The resolution sought to reaffirm some of the principles already in place in a 1967 treaty and modified the text of the original agreement.

According to the BBC, the draft called on States "with major space capabilities" to prevent an arms race in outer space and to contribute to the 1967 objective of peace.

The original treaty called on all countries "not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction," said the BBC.

According to the BBC, 13 of the 15 countries in the council voted in favor of the resolution, Russia voted against it, and China abstained.

Russia said the resolution was redundant, and the country is "firmly committed" to the existing treaty, the broadcasting company claims. Still, the US has warned about Russia's space program for months.

According to The New York Times, American intelligence agencies told their allies that Russia might be hoping to launch a nuclear weapon to orbit this year to target US satellites.

Investigative journalist Eric Lipton told Michael Barbero on The Daily that satellites are crucial tools for the US military; they serve in every aspect of American defense operations.

For example, satellites provide vital surveillance for intelligence agencies and attack prevention. Something that Ukraine has significantly benefited from during its war against Russia.

They also provide essential lines of communication and navigation for ships, air force jets, and troops scattered around the globe.

Still, Lipton warned that the Russian threat is not as severe as it might sound compared to other outer space dangers for US National Security.

The investigative journalist cited China's much more significant and efficient space program than Russia's.

The reporter told Barbero that China had launched tow truck-like satellites and missiles as tools for its space program, proving it could move or destroy any satellite in orbit.

An aerospace engineer and security expert told The New York Times that the US also has missiles that could target enemy satellites. Still, it has not acknowledged having space-based weapons.