PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. —
Russia tested a direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile on Nov. 15, 2021, Moscow Standard Time, that struck a Russian satellite [COSMOS 1408] and created a debris field in low-Earth orbit. The test so far has generated more than 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris and will likely generate hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris.
“Russia has demonstrated a deliberate disregard for the security, safety, stability, and long-term sustainability of the space domain for all nations,” said U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander. “The debris created by Russia’s DA-ASAT will continue to pose a threat to activities in outer space for years to come, putting satellites and space missions at risk, as well as forcing more collision avoidance maneuvers. Space activities underpin our way of life and this kind of behavior is simply irresponsible.”
USSPACECOM’s initial assessment is that the debris will remain in orbit for years and potentially for decades, posing a significant risk to the crew on the International Space Station and other human spaceflight activities, as well as multiple countries’ satellites. USSPACECOM continues to monitor the trajectory of the debris and will work to ensure all space-faring nations have the information necessary to safeguard their on-orbit activities if impacted by the debris cloud, a service the United States provides to the world, to include Russia and China.
“Russia is developing and deploying capabilities to actively deny access to and use of space by the United States and its allies and partners,” Dickinson added. “Russia’s tests of direct-ascent anti-satellite weapons clearly demonstrate that Russia continues to pursue counterspace weapon systems that undermine strategic stability and pose a threat to all nations.”
By US Space Command Public Affairs Office
Meh. Actually, good on Russia. This is what happens when there is exactly zero American leadership and “America” has come to mean little more than comical cultural slapstick, decadence and strategic indecision. The future will be one in which countries, friend and foe, do exactly as they please to increase power in whatever direction they like without fear of consequence. It’s great in a way. Maybe America (and the west) will stop worrying about silly shit and realize that some countries are actually playing to win while we bicker. The US is on a glide path to obsolescence without some fundamental changes.
hear, hear!
Disturbingly correct I’d say
So what do you suggest doing? Invade Russia because of this?
Hahahahaha! Oh you’re killing me smalls!
Where ever in Ranger Green’s comment did he allude to a kinetic war with Russia or make that innuendo? Is this “TominVA” under another pseudonym?
It’s not about going to “war” w/ geopolitical enemies, it’s about always showing strength and resolve so an adversary like Russia doesn’t pull this BS and jeopardize not only the International space station but the re-tasking of all assets in near earth orbit so it degrades their time in orbit. Are you even aware of the immense importance of not having our “birds” fuct with? Get a clue!
Truth Brother! It is beyond ridiculous