Russian anti-satellite test adds to wider problem of orbital debris
A Russian anti-satellite test created over a thousand pieces of new space debris on 14 November. The next day, the cloud passed close enough to the International Space Station that the crew were forced to shelter in their capsules. The move has been condemned by many nations for exacerbating the existing problem of space debris.
“This destructive antisatellite missile test by Russia shows a complete disregard for the security, safety and the UK’s Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace. “The debris resulting from this test will remain in orbit, putting satellites and human spaceflight at risk for years to come.”
Space debris, consisting of fragments of old satellites that have the potential to destroy functioning ones, has been a growing issue as more items are launched into space. Just four days before the test, the ISS had to perform an emergency manoeuvre to avoid another piece of space debris created by a Chinese antisatellite missile test from 2007. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, however, maintains that the fragments from their test, “…do not pose any threat to space activity.”