Pentagon says Russia launched space weapon in path of U.S. satellite

Pentagon says Russia launched space weapon in path of U.S. satellite

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Defence

Context:

• The Pentagon accused Russia of launching a likely space weapon and deploying it in the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite.

Details of the ‘Counter space weapon’:

• This ‘counter-space weapon’ is presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit.
• Russia’s response: We act absolutely in accordance with international law, do not violate anything, and have repeatedly advocated banning any weapons in space.
• Both countries have proposed rival non-proliferation motions at the UN.
• Russia vetoed the US initiative last month, and the US, Britain, and France blocked Russia’s proposal on 20 May.

Anti-satellite weapon (ASAT):

• Anti-satellites (ASATs) are weapons designed to destroy or disable satellites in orbit. They can be ground-based, air-based, or space-based. ASATs can use various methods to attack satellites, including kinetic impact, lasers, and directed energy weapons.
• Anti-satellite (ASAT) technology refers to the capability to intercept, disable, or destroy satellites in orbit. This technology is primarily developed for defence and strategic purposes.
• Types of Anti-Satellite Weapons
  • Kinetic energy methods: This involves launching a missile that intercepts and physically collides with the target satellite to destroy it.
    • The kinetic energy ASATs physically collide with satellites and can reach altitudes. These ASATs can be ballistic missiles, drones, and other satellites.
  • Non-kinetic methods: They use non-physical attacks such as cyber-attacks, jamming, and even lasers to blind satellites without physically destroying them.
    • All of these attacks can be launched from the air, low orbit, or even ground installations.

Countries with ASAT Technology:

• ASATs were first developed during the Cold War era. They have never been used in warfare, but have been used to remove decommissioned satellites.

Outer Space Treaty, 1967:

• The treaty provides the basic framework for international space law.
• The exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind.
• Outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States.
• Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.
• States shall not place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies or station them in outer space in any other manner.
• The Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
• Astronauts shall be regarded as the envoys of mankind.
• States shall be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental activities.
• States shall be liable for damage caused by their space objects.
• States shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.

Source: TH