Outer space

Russia Successfully Test Launches Anti-Satellite Missile

Russia has apparently conducted a successful test launch of its Nudol direct ascent anti-satellite missile. This is the second test of the new weapon, which is capable of destroying satellites in space. The weapon was apparently launched from the Plesetsk test launch facility north of Moscow.

If the report is correct, that means the Russians have developed a means to attack the space-based navigation, communications and intelligence gathering tools that are the sinews of U.S. military operations. The missile was monitored by U.S. intelligence satellites and the test appeared to be successful.

Attacking America’s space-based assets would be an effective means to disrupt U.S. military operations, as Russia knows full well, and is not the only one. Beijing has previously tested such weapons—most notably in 2007 when it destroyed a satellite in orbit. Many space experts warn that the debris from such tests pose an extreme hazard, not just to military satellites but all space activity. Even small fragments can severely damage a spacecraft given the extreme velocities involved.