Space

VP Harris: US Won't Conduct Anti-Satellite Missile Tests

APR 19 2022·Updated DEC 22 2022

Story

Image credit: Getty Images [via Independent]

The Facts

In a speech held at the Vandenburg Space Force Base on Mon., VP Kamala Harris announced that the US will no longer conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite ("ASAT") missile tests.
Axios
This marks the US as the first nation to ban these tests amid concerns about the dangers of space debris.
FOX News
The self-imposed ban covers ASAT tests where a missile is launched from Earth or an aircraft to intercept a satellite.
Politico
This announcement follows calls for bans on ASAT tests after Russia fired a missile at one of its own satellites in Nov., creating thousands of pieces of space debris.
Politico
The US, China, Russia, and India are among the countries that have conducted such launches, with speculation that these tests are an effort to develop anti-satellite weapons systems.
Independent
Harris has called on other countries to follow their lead, and, according to the VP, the US will focus on establishing new rules to direct space activities.
Independent

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

The Biden administration's decision to impose a ban due to the dangers of space junk is hypocritical. Given that the US is the first country to have moved ahead and tested anti-satellite weapons, it shouldn't be trying to convince others not to do the same.

Eurasiantimes

Pro-establishment narrative

There are unlimited risks associated with ASAT testing, and it's high time that a ban is implemented. Space debris could potentially damage space stations, could destroy dozens of satellites, and could pose a future risk to anything that might launch for years to come. Other countries should follow the US lead.