The United Kingdom and the United States have accused Russia of launching a kind of bullet directly from a satellite into space.
In a statement, the head of the UK space directorate said: “We are concerned about the way Russia tested one of its satellites by launching a projectile with the characteristics of a weapon.”
The statement said actions like this “threaten the peaceful use of space.”
The United States has said it has evidence of testing of the Russian space weapon
In his statement, Air Vice Marshal Harvey Smyth, head of the UK Space Directorate, said: “Actions such as this threaten the peaceful use of space and risk causing debris which could pose a threat to satellites and systems space on which the world depends.
“We ask Russia to avoid further such tests. We also call on Russia to continue to work constructively with the UK and other partners to encourage responsible behavior in space."
Two years of tension
It is the first time that the United Kingdom has made such precise accusations (use of space weapon) against Russia. The United States claims, however, that the Russian satellite system is the same as that had raised concern in 2018.
Earlier this year the United States accused Russia of maneuvering “too close” to an American satellite.
On this latest incident, General Jay Raymond, who heads the US space command, said there is evidence “that Russia has conducted a non-destructive test of a space-based anti-satellite weapon.”
He said Russia “launched a new object into orbit” from a satellite.
Raymond also said something else. “This is further evidence of Russia's continued efforts to develop and test space weapons systems. An attitude consistent with the military doctrine published by the Kremlin to employ weapons that put U.S. and allied space assets at risk.”
