Space-based nuclear weapons surveillance systems monitor for X-ray burst and the characteristic double-flash pattern. Neither would be present in the case of a

Space-based nuclear weapons surveillance systems monitor for X-ray burst and the characteristic double-flash pattern. Neither would be present in the case of a meteor, which would rule out a nuclear detonation immediately. Infrared systems likely would detect the meteor entering but the projected flight path would be, well, unreasonable for a missile.