Quick Bytes
- US accuses Russia of launching a potential anti-satellite weapon into space.
- Russian official dismisses US claims as “fake news,” denying any threat.
- The contentious satellite was launched from Plesetsk, orbiting near a US government satellite.
- Russia previously vetoed a UN resolution reaffirming the Outer Space Treaty against space-based weapons.
US-Russia Space Tensions Escalate
The US Pentagon has raised alarms over a Russian satellite launch that could pose a threat to space assets.
Major General Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, expressed concerns about a recent Russian satellite launch, suggesting it could be a counter-space weapon capable of targeting satellites in low Earth orbit. The launch, which occurred on May 16 from the Plesetsk site, included a military “inspector” spacecraft among at least nine satellites. This development has heightened tensions, as the satellite shares an orbit with a US government satellite, posing a direct threat according to US officials.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov countered the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and maintaining Russia’s stance against the deployment of strike weapons in orbit. Despite previous US claims of Russia developing space-based anti-satellite weapons, Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, have consistently denied such activities. The controversy also touches on international agreements, with Russia recently vetoing a UN resolution to uphold the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits nuclear weapons in space.
The situation remains tense as the US continues to monitor the satellite’s activities and implications for space security.
Image Credits
- Getty Images: A representation of satellites orbiting Earth.
