Artykuły o ASAT

[Orionid]

NASA warns Indian anti-satellite test increased debris risk to ISS
by Jeff Foust — April 2, 2019


The missile launched March 27 in India's anti-satellite test intercepted a satellite in a low orbit, but still created debris in orbits that go above the International Space Station. Credit: DRDO

WASHINGTON — In the sharpest rebuke to date by a U.S. government official, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine criticized India’s recent anti-satellite test April 1, saying it created debris that posed a threat to the International Space Station.

During a town hall meeting with NASA employees, Bridenstine was asked about the March 27 test, dubbed “Mission Shakti,” where a ground-launched missile struck the Microsat-R satellite in an orbit less than 300 kilometers high. The Indian government said the low altitude of the test minimized the amount of long-lived debris.

Bridenstine, though, said that the test did produce some debris placed into higher orbits, including those above that of the ISS, which orbits at an altitude of about 410 kilometers. He said 400 pieces of debris had been identified from the test, 60 of which are large enough to be tracked by U.S. military assets, such as radars.

“Of those 60, we know that 24 of them are going above the apogee of the International Space Station,” he said. “That is a terrible, terrible thing, to create an event that sends debris into an apogee that goes above the International Space Station. And that kind of activity is not compatible with the future of human spaceflight.”

“It’s unacceptable, and NASA needs to be very clear about what its impact to us is,” he continued. Experts from NASA and the military’s Combined Space Operations Center concluded last week that the risk of debris impacting the station increased by 44 percent over a 10-day period, he said, but didn’t specify the baseline risk level that was increased by that amount.

Bridenstine emphasized that, despite the increased risk, the six people currently on the station are not in danger. “While the risk went up 44 percent, our astronauts are still safe. The International Space Station is still safe,” he said. “If we need to maneuver it, we will. The probability of that, I think, is low.”

He suggested, though, that last week’s test was irresponsible and set a bad precedent. “When one country does it, then other countries have to feel like they have to do it as well,” he said.

Bridenstine’s statements represent the strongest criticism to date of the test by a U.S. government official. While Air Force officials confirmed they monitored the test and tracked debris from it, neither they nor the State Department spoke out as forcefully against the Indian ASAT test.

A State Department spokesperson, in a statement to SpaceNews April 1, offered only mild criticism of the test. “The United States recognizes, and encourages other nations to recognize, that orbital debris represents a growing threat to the space operations of all nations. We took note of Indian government statements that the test was conducted at a low altitude to limit the orbital lifetime of resulting debris,” the spokesperson said.

The lack of response from the U.S. government, until Bridenstine’s remarks, stood in contrast to criticism from a number of companies that operate in low Earth orbit. Those companies worry about how such tests could increase orbital debris and adversely affect their operations.

“While Planet enjoys a great working partnership with agencies of India’s government — like [the Indian space agency] ISRO — we categorically condemn the anti-satellite missile intercept recently conducted by India’s defense department,” said Planet, the company that operates a large constellation of low Earth orbit imaging satellites, in a March 27 statement.

Experts highlighted the differences between commercial and government responses to the test. “I think that speaks to the emerging power of the commercial sector as a player in influencing behavior in space,” said Brian Weeden, director of program planning at the Secure World Foundation, during a panel discussion by that organization March 29 on U.S.-China space relations.

He added, though, he was concerned about the precedent that the Indian test set. “Right now, it appears that the norm is that it’s okay to test that, as long as you try to minimize space debris,” he said. “I don’t think that’s a norm that we want to have, but that appears to be what the norm is.”

And companies have yet to back up their criticism of the Indian ASAT test with more concrete actions. While Planet condemned the test, it still launched 20 of its Dove satellites on an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle March 31.

Source: https://spacenews.com/nasa-warns-indian-anti-satellite-test-increased-debris-risk-to-iss/

[Orionid]

India ASAT debris spotted above 2,200 kilometers, will remain a year or more in orbit
by Caleb Henry — April 9, 2019 [SpaceNews]


Some debris from India's March 27 ASAT test will take over a year to deorbit. Credit: AGI

COLORADO SPRINGS — At least a dozen fragments from India’s March 27 anti-satellite test reached altitudes above 1,000 kilometers, meaning some debris will stay in orbit much longer than estimated by India, according to research from Analytical Graphics Inc. (AGI).

One fragment was spotted at 2,222 kilometers, nearly eight times higher than where India intercepted one of its own satellites with a ground-launched missile, Dan Oltrogge, a senior research astrodynamicist at AGI, said.

That fragment, and others orbiting at high altitudes in low Earth orbit, will remain in space much longer than the 45 days recently projected by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, Oltrogge said.

“Many fragments already reentered in the first one to two days, and then there’s quite a cluster that reenters between then and out to as much as one to two months,” Oltrogge said at the 35th Space Symposium here. “But there are some fragments that can go out one to two years.”

Two days after the March 27 test, the U.S. Air Force said it was tracking 250 pieces of debris created when India’s PDV-Mk II missile intercepted at 280 kilometers a satellite dubbed Microsat-R that India launched in January. On April 1, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, lamenting an increased risk to the International Space Station, said that 400 pieces of debris were created.

Oltrogge, who runs AGI’s Center for Space Standards and Innovation, said no satellites are known to have been struck by debris from India’s ASAT test. He cautioned, though, that satellite operators may not disclose such information if there was a strike.

AGI data showed that multiple Russian Kanopus remote sensing satellites and Dove satellites operated by commercial company Planet were among 25 spacecraft most at risk of intersecting with debris paths from the ASAT test.

The European Space Agency’s Aeolus wind-mapping satellite, which launched in August, was also among the 25 most-at-risk satellites.

Oltrogge said AGI created that list based on “the risk that a fragment will be at the center of mass of the satellite.”

That risk isn’t exactly the same as hitting a satellite, because the probability of an impact also depends on the size of the satellite and the debris, he said.

The ISS, which orbits at roughly 410 kilometers, was among the top 60 spacecraft threatened by the debris, according to AGI.

“These high-apogee fragments are crossing satellites above them, including the ISS,” Oltrogge said. “These fragments, although there aren’t that many of them, do put other spacecraft at risk during the time they are up there.”

Source: https://spacenews.com/india-asat-debris-spotted-above-2200-kilometers-will-last-a-year-or-more/

[Orionid]

Half of Indian Anti-Satellite Test Debris Still Orbiting in Space - Harvard Astronomer
by Staff Writers New Delhi (Sputnik) Jun 28, 2019

India's anti-satellite missile was a three-stage rocket, which successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite on 27 March. The Indian defence ministry claims that the test was conducted to intercept the missile in a manner that minimised the threat of space debris.

Three months after India conducted an anti-satellite test in which it "shot down" a low-orbiting satellite, the 41 pieces of debris generated in the process remain in orbit. This accounts for about 50% of all fragments of debris that were created in the 'Mission Shakti' missile test, says Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

This is in complete contrast to the claim made by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which said the test was planned in a manner to ensure that all debris would fully disintegrate within 45 days.

McDowell estimates that the debris will take "at least a year or so" to fully deteriorate. Another satellite tracker Marco Langbroek claimed that "many of these objects still on-orbit have apogees still well into the range of operational satellites, i.e. they remain a threat to other objects in space".

In his analysis published on 18 June, Langbroek warned that these remaining objects, "at least 5 objects will stay in orbit for at least a year to come, and the last one might not reenter until mid-2021".

Earlier in April, US space agency NASA called the destruction of Microsat-R satellite a "terrible, terrible thing" that poses a threat to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The Russian defence ministry raised similar concerns just after the test, and said that the over 100 fragments that were formed in the altitude range from 100 to 1,000 kilometres have been orbiting very close to the ISS, "which may create threats in the near future".

The US has criticised India over its anti-satellite missile test, calling it unacceptable and incompatible with the future of human space flight.

On 27 March, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced New Delhi had successfully tested its first anti-satellite missile by hitting a defunct Indian satellite at an altitude of 300 km. Modi added that India had become the fourth country in the world to possess such a weapon after China, Russia, and the United States.

Source: RIA Novosti
Source: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Half_of_Indian_Anti_Satellite_Test_Debris_Still_Orbiting_in_Space___Harvard_Astronomer_999.html

[Orionid]

NASA resumes cooperation with ISRO after ASAT test
by Jeff Foust — April 7, 2019 [SN]


After India intercepted one of its satellites with a ground-launched missile March 27, NASA briefly suspended participation in a working group with the Indian space agency ISRO regarding human spaceflight cooperation. Credit: DRDO

WASHINGTON — NASA suspended cooperation with its Indian counterpart in one area in the immediate aftermath of India’s March 27 anti-satellite test, only to reinstate it less than a week later.

Source: https://spacenews.com/nasa-resumes-cooperation-with-isro-after-asat-test/

[Orionid]

U.S. officials: Space station at risk from ‘reckless’ Russian anti-satellite test
November 15, 2021 Stephen Clark [SFN]


A view of the International Space Station captured Sept. 28 by a cosmonaut on the Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft. Credit: Roscosmos

Russia shot down an old Soviet-era military spacecraft Monday in a test of an anti-satellite weapon, scattering hundreds of thousands of debris fragments that will remain in orbit for years or decades, U.S. government officials said.

The anti-satellite test used a direct-ascent missile, or DA-ASAT, to destroy a decommissioned military surveillance satellite named Kosmos 1408, according to U.S. Space Command.

Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/15/u-s-officials-space-station-at-risk-from-reckless-russian-anti-satellite-test/

[Orionid]

European space industry alarmed by Russian ASAT test
by Andrew Jones — November 16, 2021 [SN]


European industry figures discuss space governance at the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany, Nov. 16, 2021. Credit: SpaceNews/Andrew Jones

BREMEN, Germany — European space industry figures have expressed alarm at Russia’s destructive antisatellite test which has created thousands of pieces of orbital debris.

“Our models show an increase in probability of a collision in low Earth orbit of five percent,” Philippe Baptiste, head of the French space agency CNES, said Nov. 16 of the ASAT test.

Source: https://spacenews.com/european-space-industry-alarmed-by-russian-asat-test/

[Orionid]

LeoLabs tracks debris cloud expanding in low Earth orbit
by Debra Werner — November 16, 2021 [SN]


In this LeoLabs image, the International Space Station's orbit is depicted in orange. The while circles show debris stemming from the Nov. 15 Russian antisatellite test. Credit: LeoLabs

SAN FRANCISCO – LeoLabs was alerted early Nov. 15 that something was happening in low Earth orbit.

Before the Silicon Valley space mapping startup heard of the Russian antisatellite test, its global network of phased array radars detected an object in low Earth orbit that quickly turned into six radar blips, then 31. As of 3 pm eastern time on Nov. 16, LeoLabs was tracking 216 objects larger than 10 centimeters in diameter stemming from the Russian antisatellite test.

The debris cloud is spreading quickly.

Source: https://spacenews.com/leolabs-on-asat-debris/

[Orionid]

China silent, South Korea ‘concerned’ over debris created by Russia’s anti-satellite missile test
by Park Si-soo — November 17, 2021


South Korea’s foreign ministry headquarters in Seoul. Credit: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s foreign ministry expressed concern over the “numerous pieces of debris” created in low Earth orbit when Russia destroyed a Soviet-era satellite with a missile strike earlier this week but stopped short of criticizing Russia.

Source: https://spacenews.com/china-silent-south-korea-concerned-over-debris-created-by-russias-anti-satellite-missile-test/

[Orionid]

Nelson and Rogozin talk about ASAT test
by Jeff Foust — November 16, 2021 [SN]


NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said he expressed "dismay" to Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin over the danger the crew on the ISS faced from the Russian ASAT test. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

LAS VEGAS — NASA Administrator Bill Nelson spoke with his Russian counterpart a day after a Russian antisatellite test, as others in the Russian government dismissed the threat to space sustainability that test created.

Source: https://spacenews.com/nelson-and-rogozin-talk-about-asat-test/

[Orionid]

Russia clearly knew the consequences of ASAT test, says former U.S. intelligence official
by Sandra Erwin — November 16, 2021 [SN]


Sue Gordon served as principal deputy director of national intelligence from 2017 to 2019. Credit: Defense Intelligence Agency

Sue Gordon: 'These are very experienced space actors'

WASHINGTON — Russia’s denials that debris caused by an anti-satellite missile test poses a threat to spacecraft and astronauts are disingenuous, said Sue Gordon, former principal deputy director of national intelligence.

Source: https://spacenews.com/russia-clearly-knew-the-consequences-of-asat-test-says-former-u-s-intelligence-official/

[Orionid]

EU Space Policy Chief Condemns Russian Missile Test In Low Orbit
 Daniyal Sohail   Wed 17th November 2021 | 01:00 PM [urdupoint.com]



European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton condemned Russia's anti-satellite missile system test, which led to the destruction of a satellite in low orbit

BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th November, 2021) European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton condemned Russia's anti-satellite missile system test, which led to the destruction of a satellite in low orbit.

"As European Union (EU) Commissioner in charge of EU Space policy and in particular of Galileo & Copernicus, I join the strongest condemnations expressed against the test conducted by Russia on Monday November 15, which led to the destruction of a satellite in low orbit (COSMOS 1408)," Breton wrote on Twitter late on Tuesday.

Source: https://www.urdupoint.com/en/technology/eu-space-policy-chief-condemns-russian-missil-1403309.html

[Orionid]

U.S. officials: Anti-satellite test another sign of Russia’s aggressive intentions in space
by Sandra Erwin — November 17, 2021 [SN]


Numerica and Slingshot Aerospace produced these images of the resulting debris from the Russian missile that blew up Cosmos 1408.

Lt. Gen. John Shaw said the debris from the Nov. 15 test could be even more damaging than China's 2007 intercept

WASHINGTON — U.S. Space Force officials Nov. 17 condemned Russia’s missile strike that destroyed a defunct satellite in low Earth orbit. The anti-satellite missile test, these officials said, sends an ominous message that Russia is intent on advancing its arsenal of space weapons.

Source: https://spacenews.com/u-s-officials-anti-satellite-test-another-sign-of-russias-aggressive-intentions-in-space/

[Orionid]

Space Force official: Russian missile tests expose vulnerability of low-orbiting satellites
by Sandra Erwin — December 16, 2020 Updated Dec. 17 with State Department statement [SN]


Test of a Russian Nudol anti-ballistic missile system July 20, 2020. Credit: Armies Power/ YouTube

“The nation must do something about this,” Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno said of Russia's recent test of a ballistic missile that could target satellites.

WASHINGTON — Russia on Dec. 15 conducted a ballistic missile test that U.S. Space Command condemned as a threat to satellites in orbit.

“The nation must do something about this,” said Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno, director of staff of the Office of the Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force.

Source: https://spacenews.com/space-force-official-russian-missile-tests-expose-vulnerability-of-low-orbiting-satellites/

[Orionid]

Station resumes normal operations, but risk from Russian ASAT test continues
November 18, 2021 Stephen Clark [SFN]


Expedition 66 crew members, from left to right: Pyotr Dubrov, Tom Marshburn, Anton Shkaplerov, Raja Chari, Mark Vande Hei, Kayla Barron, and Matthias Maurer. Credit: NASA

The seven-person crew living on the International Space Station resumed normal operations Wednesday, two days after closing off parts of the complex as precaution following a widely-condemned Russian anti-satellite test that created a new cloud of space debris.

Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/18/station-resumes-normal-operations-but-russian-anti-satellite-test-poses-continued-risk/

[Orionid]

U.S. was not blindsided by Russia’s anti-satellite test, say officials
by Sandra Erwin — December 5, 2021 [SN]


Chris Kubasik, CEO of L3Harris (left to right), Gen. David Thompson, vice chief of space operations, and Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) speak on a panel at the Reagan National Defense Forum moderated by Kristin Fisher of CNN. Credit: RNDF YouTube

Gen. David Thompson: 'These advances in capabilities are concerning, they are not a surprise'

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military for years has watched Russia’s attempts to demonstrate it could destroy a satellite with a ground-based weapon, so the Nov. 15 missile test that blew up a satellite in orbit did not come as a complete shock, officials said Dec. 4 at the Reagan National Defense Forum.

Source: https://spacenews.com/u-s-was-not-blindsided-by-russias-anti-satellite-test-say-officials/