Space Wars
RUSSIA
Russia tested an anti-satellite weapon in space this week, a move that sparked condemnation from the United States and its allies for endangering the lives of astronauts at the International Space Station, the Independent reported Tuesday.
On Monday, a Russian missile destroyed a defunct Soviet satellite that had been in orbit since 1982. The explosion caused a cloud of debris that prompted the ISS crew – which includes both US and Russian teams – to take shelter in their spacecraft.
Following the explosion, the US and NATO officials called the test “dangerous and irresponsible,” saying that the debris posed a threat to both the ISS and to an orbiting Chinese spacecraft, according to NBC News.
Russian officials countered that the test did not pose a threat and also that the US knew about it. They called the accusations “hypocrisy,” noting that China, India and the US had conducted similar tests in the past.
Officials also said the explosion was a part of a new weapons test by Russia to boost its defense capabilities in response to similar tests by the US and Washington’s decision to establish a space force in 2020.
Meanwhile, British officials urged Russia to join United Nations discussions on “responsible behavior when it comes to space,” but Moscow countered that it has been calling for years for an agreement on space arms.
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