The use of high altitude nuclear explosions to destroy satellites was considered after the tests of the first conventional missile systems in the 1960s . During the Hardtack Teak test in 1958 observers noted the damaging effects of the electromagnetic pulse ( EMP ) caused by the explosions on electronic equipment , and during the Starfish Prime test in 1962 the EMP from a warhead detonated over the Pacific damaged three satellites and also disrupted power transmission and communications across the Pacific . Further testing of weapons effects was carried out under the DOMINIC I series . An adapted version of the nuclear armed Nike Zeus was used for an ASAT from 1962 . Codenamed '' Mudflap '' , the missile was designated DM-15S and a single missile was deployed at the Kwajalein atoll until 1966 when the project was ended in favour of the USAF Thor-based Program 437 ASAT which was operational until 6 March 1975
Hardtack Teak
Hardtack Teak
Anti-satellite weapon