By akademiotoelektronik, 31/05/2022

Russia fires anti-satellite missile, NASA "outraged"

Space-on Monday, 15 November, the United States accused Russia of conducting a "dangerous and irresponsible" anti-satellite missile fire, in a demonstration of force that had the direct consequence of threatening the safety of astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Russia admitted that it had conducted a test fire against one of its old satellites in orbit, confirming Washington's accusations, but arguing that it did not pose any risk to the ISS.

This incident revives fears that outer space will become a battleground between the major Powers. "Russia has conducted an irresponsible destructive test of a direct-ascending anti-satellite missile against one of its own satellites," said US diplomatic chief Antony Blinken on Monday.

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"this test has so far generated more than 1,500 traceable orbital debris, and will probably generate hundreds of thousands of smaller pieces of orbital debris," he added in a press release. NASA's boss said he was "outraged" by the shooting on Monday. "it is unthinkable that Russia will endanger not only American astronauts and international partners in the ISS, but also its own cosmonauts," said Bill Nelson in a statement. "I am outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action."

On Tuesday 16 November, France reacted with the voice of Army Minister Florence Parly, but did not directly target Moscow: "Space is a common good, that of the 7.7 billion inhabitants of our planet. Space ransackers have an overwhelming responsibility for generating debris that pollutes and endangers our astronauts and satellites. "