Is Space Weaponisation Inevitable?
By Bharath Gopalaswamy
23 Jul 2008
In February this year, the US military destroyed the defunct and out-of-control USA 193 spy satellite with a specially designed SM-3 ballistic missile. The US described this event as an effort to prevent the huge amount of toxic hydrazine fuel contained within the satellite from contaminating the earth. It would, however, be naïve not to acknowledge what the US military has accomplished and the political impact of the test, which was more than the technological achievement. It must be pointed out that the US had tested a similar anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in 1985 against a satellite in an even higher orbit by firing an interceptor from an F-15 fighter aircraft.
23 Jul 2008
In February this year, the US military destroyed the defunct and out-of-control USA 193 spy satellite with a specially designed SM-3 ballistic missile. The US described this event as an effort to prevent the huge amount of toxic hydrazine fuel contained within the satellite from contaminating the earth. It would, however, be naïve not to acknowledge what the US military has accomplished and the political impact of the test, which was more than the technological achievement. It must be pointed out that the US had tested a similar anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in 1985 against a satellite in an even higher orbit by firing an interceptor from an F-15 fighter aircraft.
You need 4 credits to access this item
If you are a member or registered user, please login
Not already a member and have not yet registered?
Copyright © 2008 RUSI