Posted on 07/23/2020 9:09:31 PM PDT by bitt
Earlier this month, Russia tested an object with the capabilities of targeting satellites in space
The United States and United Kingdom on Thursday accused Russia of conducting a test on a space-based anti-satellite weapon earlier this month.
U.S. Space Command said it has evidence that Russia conducted a non-destructive test of a space-based anti-satellite weapon on July 15.
The group also said Russia "injected a new object into orbit" from Cosmos 2543, is a satellite that has been in orbit since 2019. It also said the object has the capabilities to target a satellite.
The head of the U.K.'s Space Directorate called on Russia to cease any further testing of this sort, saying that it could "risk causing debris that could pose a threat to satellites and the space systems on which the world depends."
This marks the first time the United States has accused Russia of testing an "on orbit" weapon, which is a weapon that is based in outer space.
Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond, commander of U.S. Space Command and U.S. Space Force chief, said that the Russian satellite system used to conduct the test has been of concern for several months.
"This is further evidence of Russia's continuing efforts to develop and test space-based systems, and consistent with the Kremlin's published military doctrine to employ weapons that hold US and allied space assets at risk," Raymond said.
Russian and Chinese anti-satellite weapons were some of the main reasons that led to the creation of the U.S. military branch focused on space – the Space Force – which Raymond now leads.
p
And some laughed at Trump for creating the Space Force. The high ground, so to speak, is always preferred and must be defended.
Interesting catch. Has China done likewise?
Billiards in Space. A satellite breaks up into debris, which strikes other satellites, which in turn break up into more bits and pieces, and so on. Lovely scenario, which will take years for the debris to de-orbit. What a mess for our technology obsessed world! Shirley the Russians are aware of the implications.
Is there no end to the stressful situations these days?
Yet, nothing will be done about it.
Yes, they are aware...and don’t call them “Shirley.”
SPACE COWBOYS and MOONRAKER...I am reminded of those films...
Who knows? Maybe US might have to send out a bunch of old guys to space to deal with broken Russian space weapon...
In MOONRAKER, Soviets let Americans deal with Hugo Drax in space...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.