Russian ASAT Provokes Questions, Calls For Action

The anti-satellite test created at least 1,500 pieces of trackable debris and underscores the need for new policies, observers say.

The Soyuz MS-18 crew ship, carrying Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy and spaceflight participants Yulia Peresild and Klim Shipenko, is pictured departing the vicinity of the International Space Station as both spacecraft were orbiting 263 miles above the Pacific Ocean off the coast of far eastern Russia. Courtesy: NASA

Key Takeaways:

Russia's anti-satellite (ASAT) test on November 15 destroyed its own satellite, creating thousands of pieces of orbital debris that endangered the International Space Station (ISS) and will pose a long-term threat to global space activities.
The act drew widespread condemnation from U.S. and international officials, who labeled it reckless, irresponsible, and a disregard for space safety and sustainability.
The incident highlighted the limitations of existing space treaties and the challenges of establishing new international norms, likely provoking other nations to develop their own military capabilities in space.

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A recent Russian anti-satellite test that sent thousands of pieces of debris into orbit and put astronauts in the International Space Station in potential peril underscores the need for new policies and will likely provoke other countries to ratchet up military capabilities in space, according to observers.

How This Started

On November 15, Russia destroyed its own satellite, Cosmos 1408, a non-operational Soviet Electronic and Signals Intelligence Tselina-D satellite designed to determine precise location and activity of radio emitters, according to NASA.