View source for Anti-satellite weapon

{{Short description|Kinetic energy device designed to destroy satellites in orbit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
[[File:CASATCoOrbital01.jpg|thumb|An artist's impression of a futuristic anti-satellite weapon capable of destroying satellites using its "circular saw" extensions]]
'''Anti-satellite weapons''' ('''ASAT''') are [[space weapon]]s designed to incapacitate or destroy [[satellite]]s for [[Military strategy|strategic]] or [[Military tactics|tactical]]<ref>{{cite book
 | last1 = Friedman
 | first1 = Norman
 | author-link1 = Norman Friedman
 | title = The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems
 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3XKuAAAAIAAJ
 | series = The Naval Institute Guide To... Series
 | year = 1989
 | publisher = Naval Institute Press
 | page = 244
 | isbn = 9780870217937
 | access-date = 15 November 2020
 | quote = That distinction in turn should help differentiate naval ASAT, as a tactical operation, from strategic-warning ASAT [...].
 | archive-date = 22 November 2020
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201122204613/https://books.google.com/books?id=3XKuAAAAIAAJ
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref> purposes. Although no ASAT system has {{as of | 2020 | alt = yet}} been utilized in [[warfare]], a few countries ([[China]], [[India]], [[Russia]], and the [[United States]]) have successfully shot down their own satellites to demonstrate<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Hitchens|first=Theresa|title=Indian ASAT Debris Threatens All LEO Sats: Update|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2019/04/indian-asat-debris-threatens-all-leo-sats/|access-date=2021-01-06|website=Breaking Defense|date=5 April 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109041323/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/04/indian-asat-debris-threatens-all-leo-sats/|url-status=live}}</ref> their ASAT capabilities in a [[show of force]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Strout|first=Nathan|date=2020-12-16|title=Space Command calls out another Russian anti-satellite weapon test|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/12/16/space-command-calls-out-another-russian-anti-satellite-weapon-test/|access-date=2021-01-06|website=C4ISRNET|language=en-US|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109000347/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/12/16/space-command-calls-out-another-russian-anti-satellite-weapon-test/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Russia conducts space-based anti-satellite weapons test|url=https://www.spacecom.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2285098/russia-conducts-space-based-anti-satellite-weapons-test/|access-date=2021-01-06|website=United States Space Command|language=en-US|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109053433/https://www.spacecom.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2285098/russia-conducts-space-based-anti-satellite-weapons-test/|url-status=live}}</ref> ASATs have also been used to remove decommissioned satellites.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gohd|first=Chelsea|date=2021-11-22|title=Russian anti-satellite missile test draws condemnation from space companies and countries|url=https://www.space.com/crussian-anti-satellite-missile-test-world-condemnation|access-date=2021-11-23|website=Space.com|language=en}}</ref> 

ASAT roles include: defensive measures against an adversary's space-based and nuclear weapons, a [[force multiplier]] for a nuclear [[First strike (nuclear strategy)|first strike]], a countermeasure against an adversary's [[Anti-ballistic missile defense countermeasure|anti-ballistic missile defense]] (ABM), an [[asymmetric warfare|asymmetric]] counter to a technologically superior adversary, and a [[countervalue|counter-value]] weapon.<ref>
Strauch, Adam. "Still All Quiet on the Orbital Front? The Slow Proliferation of Anti-satellite Weapons/Na Orbitalni Fronte Stale Klid? Pomala Proliferace Protisatelitnich Zbrani." Obrana a Strategie/Defence & Strategy 2014.2 (2014): 61. Web.
</ref>

Use of ASATs generates [[space debris]], which can collide with other satellites and generate more space debris.<ref name=":0" /> A cascading multiplication of space debris could cause [[Earth]] to suffer from [[Kessler syndrome]].

==History==
The first anti-satellite technologies were developed during the cold war, with the Soviet [[Istrebitel Sputnikov|Istrebitel Sputnikov programme]] and the American [[Project SAINT|SAINT]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE HISTORY OF US ANTI-SATELLITE WEAPONS |url=https://man.fas.org/eprint/leitenberg/asat.pdf |website=man.fas.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Historic Beginnings Of The Space Arms Race |url=https://www.spacewar.com/reports/The_Historic_Beginnings_Of_The_Space_Arms_Race_999.html |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=www.spacewar.com}}</ref> Since, other states have also developed or researched ASAT capabilities.

===Soviet Union===
[[Image:IS anti satellite weapon.jpg|thumb|A 1986 [[Defense Intelligence Agency|DIA]] illustration of the IS system attacking a target]]
[[File:Ground-based-laser-DIA.jpg|thumb|US DIA concept drawing of purported Soviet [[Terra-3]] Ground-based-laser- ASAT]]

The specter of bombardment satellites and the reality of ballistic missiles stimulated the Soviet Union to explore defensive space weapons. The Soviet Union first tested the [[Polyot (satellite)|Polyot interceptor]] in 1963 and successfully tested an orbital anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in 1968.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Peebles|first=Curtis|date=1997|title=The Corona Project: America's First Spy Satellites}}</ref> According to some accounts, [[Sergei Korolev]] started some work on the concept in 1956 at his [[OKB-1]], while others attribute the work to [[Vladimir Chelomei]]'s [[OKB-52]] around 1959. What is certain is that at the beginning of April 1960, [[Nikita Khrushchev]] held a meeting at his summer residence in Crimea, discussing an array of defence industry issues. Here, Chelomei outlined his rocket and spacecraft program, and received a go-ahead to start development of the [[UR-200]] rocket, one of its many roles being the launcher for his anti-satellite project. The decision to start work on the weapon, as part of the [[Istrebitel Sputnikov]] (IS) ({{lit|destroyer of satellites}}) program, was made in March 1961.

The IS system was "co-orbital", approaching its target over time and then exploding a shrapnel warhead close enough to kill it. The missile was launched when a target satellite's [[ground track]] rises above the launch site. Once the satellite is detected, the missile is launched into orbit close to the targeted satellite. It takes 90 to 200 minutes (or one to two orbits) for the missile interceptor to get close enough to its target. The missile is guided by an on-board radar. The interceptor, which weighs {{convert|1400|kg|0|comma=off|abbr=on}}, may be effective up to one kilometre from a target.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

Delays in the UR-200 missile program prompted Chelomei to request R-7 rockets for prototype testing of the IS. The Polyot 1 and 2, launched on 1 November 1963 and 12 April 1964 respectively, carried out one such intercept test in early 1964. Later in the year Khrushchev cancelled the UR-200 in favour of the R-36, forcing the IS to switch to this launcher, whose space launcher version was developed as the [[Tsyklon-2]]. Delays in that program led to the introduction of a simpler version, the 2A, which launched its first IS test on 27 October 1967, and a second on 28 April 1968. Further tests carried out against a special target spacecraft, the DS-P1-M, which recorded hits by the IS warhead's shrapnel. In November 1968, 4 years after [[Polyot (satellite)|Polyot 1 and 2]] were tested for a potential Satellite intercept, Kosmos 248 was successfully destroyed by Kosmos 252 which came within the 5km 'kill radius' and destroyed Kosmos 248 by detonating it's warhead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IS anti-satellite system |url=https://russianspaceweb.com/is.html |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=russianspaceweb.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IS-A |url=http://www.astronautix.com/i/is-a.html |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=www.astronautix.com}}</ref> A total of 23 launches have been identified as being part of the [[Istrebitel Sputnikov|IS]] test series. The system was declared operational in February 1973.

Testing resumed in 1976 as a result of the US work on the [[Space Shuttle]]. Elements within the Soviet space industry convinced [[Leonid Brezhnev]] that the Shuttle was a single-orbit weapon that would be launched from [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]], manoeuvre to avoid existing anti-ballistic missile sites, bomb Moscow in a first strike, and then land.<ref>[http://www.astronautix.com/craft/buran.htm Shuttle Buran] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917165913/http://astronautix.com/craft/buran.htm |date=17 September 2010 }}, see chronology section</ref> Although the Soviet military was aware these claims were false,{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}} Brezhnev believed them and ordered a resumption of IS testing along with a Shuttle of their own. As part of this work the IS system was expanded to allow attacks at higher altitudes and was declared operational in this new arrangement on 1 July 1979. However, in 1983, [[Yuri Andropov]] ended all IS testing and all attempts to resume it failed.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/is.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102073340/http://www.russianspaceweb.com/is.html|url-status=dead|title=IS anti-satellite system|archive-date=2 January 2008|website=www.russianspaceweb.com}}</ref> Ironically, it was at about this point that the US started its own testing in response to the Soviet program.

In the early 1980s, the Soviet Union also started developing a counterpart to the US air-launched ASAT system, using modified [[Mikoyan MiG-31|MiG-31D 'Foxhounds']] (at least six of which were completed) as the launch platform. The system was called 30P6 "Kontakt", the missile used is 79M6.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://scienceandglobalsecurity.org/archive/sgs25podvig.pdf |title=Did Star Wars Help End the Cold War? Soviet Response to the SDI Program |last=Podvig |first=Pavel |website=Scienceandglobalsecurity.org  |access-date=6 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206145336/http://scienceandglobalsecurity.org/archive/sgs25podvig.pdf |archive-date=6 December 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/23936/exclusive-russian-mig-31-foxhound-carrying-huge-mystery-missile-emerges-near-moscow|title=Exclusive: Russian MiG-31 Foxhound Carrying Huge Mystery Missile Emerges Near Moscow|first1=Tyler|last1=Rogoway|first2=Ivan|last2=Voukadinov|website=Thedrive.com|date=30 September 2018 |access-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204014455/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/23936/exclusive-russian-mig-31-foxhound-carrying-huge-mystery-missile-emerges-near-moscow|archive-date=4 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The USSR also experimented with arming the [[Almaz]] space stations with [[Rikhter R-23]] aircraft auto-cannons. Another Soviet design was the [[Polyus (spacecraft)|11F19DM Skif-DM/Polyus]], an orbital megawatt laser that failed on launch in 1987.<ref name="grondine">{{cite web |author=Ed Grondine |title=Polyus |url=http://www.astronautix.com/craft/polyus.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102201428/http://astronautix.com/craft/polyus.htm |archive-date=2010-01-02 |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref>

In 1987, [[Mikhail Gorbachev]] visited [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] and was shown an anti-satellite system called "Naryad" (Sentry), also known as 14F11, launched by [[UR-100N]] rockets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/naryad.html|title=Naryad anti-satellite system (14F11)|website=Russianspaceweb.com|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205232402/http://russianspaceweb.com/naryad.html|archive-date=5 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===United States===
[[Image:Asat missile 20040710 150339 1.4.jpg|thumb|A US [[ASM-135 ASAT]] missile]]
[[Image:ASAT missile launch.jpg|thumb|A US Vought [[ASM-135 ASAT]] missile launch on 13 September 1985, which destroyed [[P78-1]] ]]

In the late 1950s, the [[U.S. Air Force|US Air Force]] started a series of advanced [[strategic missile]] projects under the designation Weapon System WS-199A. One of the projects studied under the 199A umbrella was [[Glenn L. Martin Company|Martin]]'s ''[[Bold Orion]]'' [[air-launched ballistic missile]] (ALBM) for the [[B-47 Stratojet]], based on the rocket motor from the [[MGM-29 Sergeant|Sergeant missile]]. Twelve test launches were carried out between 26 May 1958 and 13 October 1959, but these were generally unsuccessful and further work as an ALBM ended. The system was then modified with the addition of an [[X-248 Altair|Altair]] upper stage to create an anti-satellite weapon with a {{convert|1770|km|0|adj=on|comma=off}} range. Only one test flight of the anti-satellite mission was carried out, making a mock attack on the [[Explorer 6]] at an altitude of {{convert|251|km|0|abbr=on}}. To record its flight path, the ''Bold Orion'' transmitted telemetry to the ground, ejected flares to aid visual tracking, and was continuously tracked by radar. The missile successfully passed within {{convert|4|mi|km|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} of the satellite, which is suitable for use with a nuclear weapon, but useless for conventional warheads.<ref name="designation">{{cite web |title=WS-199 |url=http://designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/ws-199.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215185900/http://designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/ws-199.html |archive-date=15 December 2010 |access-date=29 December 2007 |website=Designation-systems.net}}</ref>

A similar project carried out under 199A, [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]]'s [[High Virgo]], was initially another ALBM for the [[B-58 Hustler]], likewise based on the Sergeant. It too was adapted for the anti-satellite role, and made an attempted intercept on [[Explorer 5]] on 22 September 1959. However, shortly after launch communications with the missile were lost and the camera packs could not be recovered to see if the test was successful. In any event, work on the WS-199 projects ended with the start of the [[GAM-87 Skybolt]] project. Simultaneous [[United States Navy|US Navy]] projects were also abandoned although smaller projects did continue until the early 1970s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

The use of [[high-altitude nuclear explosion]]s to destroy satellites was considered after the tests of the first conventional missile systems in the 1960s. During the [[Hardtack Teak]] test in 1958 observers noted the damaging effects of the [[electromagnetic pulse]] (EMP) caused by the explosions on electronic equipment, and during the [[Starfish Prime]] test in 1962 the EMP from a {{convert|1.4|MtonTNT|1|adj=on}} warhead detonated over the Pacific damaged three satellites and also disrupted power transmission and communications across the Pacific. Further testing of weapons effects was carried out under the [[DOMINIC I]] series. An adapted version of the nuclear armed [[Project Nike|Nike Zeus]] was used for an ASAT from 1962. Codenamed ''Mudflap'', the missile was designated DM-15S and a single missile was deployed at the [[Kwajalein]] atoll until 1966 when the project was ended in favour of the USAF [[PGM-17 Thor|Thor]]-based [[Program 437]] ASAT which was operational until 6 March 1975.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

Another area of research was [[directed-energy weapon]]s, including a nuclear-explosion powered [[X-ray laser]] proposal developed at [[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]] (LLNL) in 1968. Other research was based on more conventional [[laser]]s or [[maser]]s and developed to include the idea of a satellite with a fixed laser and a deployable mirror for targeting. LLNL continued to consider more edgy technology but their X-ray laser system development was cancelled in 1977 (although research into X-ray lasers was resurrected during the 1980s as part of the [[Strategic Defense Initiative|SDI]]).{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}[[Image:Standard Missile III SM-3 RIM-161 test launch 04017005.jpg|thumb|A [[RIM-161 Standard Missile 3]] launched from [[USS Lake Erie (CG-70)|USS ''Lake Erie'']], a [[US Navy]] [[Ticonderoga class cruiser|''Ticonderoga'' class]] [[cruiser]], 2005]]
[[File:ASM-135 ASAT and SolWind (artist impression).jpg|left|thumb|Artists impression of [[Solwind]] intercepted by an [[ASM-135 ASAT|ASM-135]]]]
ASATs were generally given low priority until 1982, when information about a successful USSR program became widely known in the west. A "crash program" followed, which developed into the [[Vought]] [[ASM-135 ASAT]], based on the [[AGM-69 SRAM]] with an Altair upper stage. The system was carried on a modified [[F-15 Eagle]] that carried the missile directly under the central line of the plane. The F-15's guidance system was modified for the mission and provided new directional cuing through the pilot's [[head-up display]], and allowed for mid-course updates via a [[data link]]. The first launch of the new anti-satellite missile took place in January 1984. The first, and only, successful interception was on 13 September 1985. The F-15 took off from [[Edwards Air Force Base]], climbed to {{convert|38100|ft|m|0|order=flip|comma=gaps|abbr=on}}<ref name=":2">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0209tomato/|title=The Flying Tomato Can|last=Grier|first=Peter|date=February 2009|magazine=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|volume=92|issue=2|access-date=9 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730062845/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0209tomato/|archive-date=30 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> and vertically launched the missile at the [[Solwind P78-1]], a US gamma ray spectroscopy satellite orbiting at {{convert|555|km|0|abbr=on}}, which was launched in 1979.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kestenbaum |first=David |date=19 January 2007 |title=Chinese missile destroys satellite in 500-mile orbit |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6923805 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121121752/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6923805 |archive-date=21 November 2011 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[NPR]]}}</ref> The last piece of debris from the destruction of Solwind P78-1, catalogued as COSPAR 1979-017GX, SATCAT 16564, deorbited 9 May 2004. Although successful, the program was cancelled in 1988.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}
[[Image:SM-3 launch to destroy the NRO-L 21 satellite.jpg|thumb|The launch of the [[RIM-161 Standard missile 3|SM-3 missile]] used to destroy [[USA-193]] ]]

[[USA-193]] was an American [[reconnaissance satellite]], which was launched on 14 December 2006 by a [[Delta II]] rocket, from [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]]. It was reported about a month after launch that the satellite had failed. In January 2008, it was noted that the satellite was decaying from [[orbit]] at a rate of {{convert|500|m|0|comma=off|abbr=on}} per day.<ref name="CNN-U.S Plans for falling satellite">{{cite news |date=30 January 2008 |title=U.S. plans for falling satellite |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/29/dead.satellite.ap/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131110040/http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/29/dead.satellite.ap/index.html |archive-date=31 January 2008 |work=[[CNN]]}}</ref> After publicly announcing its intention to do so a week earlier,<ref name="AP-USA193">[http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DEAD_SATELLITE?SITE=ORLAG&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Associated Press – Broken Satellite Will Be Shot Down] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219104728/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DEAD_SATELLITE?SITE=ORLAG&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT|date=19 February 2008}}</ref> on 21 February 2008, the US Navy destroyed USA-193 in [[Operation Burnt Frost]], using a ship-fired [[RIM-161 Standard Missile 3]] about 247&nbsp;km (153&nbsp;mi) above the Pacific Ocean.  That test produced 174 pieces of orbital debris large enough to detect that were cataloged by the US military.<ref name="Space_Track">Data retrieved from the U.S. military's public satellite catalog maintained at {{cite web |title=Space Track |url=http://www.space-track.org |url-access=registration |access-date=12 August 2013}}</ref> While most of the debris re-entered the Earth's atmosphere within a few months, a few pieces lasted slightly longer because they were thrown into higher orbits. The final piece of detectable USA-193 debris re-entered on 28 October 2009.<ref name="Space_Track" />

According to the US government, the primary reason for destroying the satellite was the approximately {{convert|1000|lb|order=flip|comma=off|abbr=on}} of toxic [[hydrazine]] fuel contained on board, which could pose health risks to persons in the immediate vicinity of the crash site should any significant amount survive the re-entry.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 February 2008 |title=Navy missile hits dying spy satellite, says Pentagon |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/02/20/satellite.shootdown/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225205006/http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/02/20/satellite.shootdown/index.html |archive-date=25 February 2008 |access-date=20 February 2008 |website=Cnn.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 20 February 2008, it was announced that the launch was carried out successfully and an explosion was observed consistent with the destruction of the hydrazine fuel tank.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 February 2008 |title=US shoots down toxic satellite |url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23251796-5001028,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222024953/http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0%2C22049%2C23251796-5001028%2C00.html |archive-date=22 December 2008 |access-date=20 February 2008 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]] |location=Sydney |via=[[news.com.au]]}}</ref>

The United States has since ceased the testing of direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles, having outlawed the practice in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2022-04-19 |title=U.S. declares ban on anti-satellite missile tests, calls for other nations to join |url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-declares-ban-on-anti-satellite-missile-tests-calls-for-other-nations-to-join/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-19 |title=US bans anti-satellite missile tests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-61151141 |access-date=2023-12-04 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Strategic Defense Initiative and the Cold War ===
The era of the [[Strategic Defense Initiative]] (proposed in 1983) focused primarily on the development of systems to defend against nuclear warheads, however, some of the technologies developed may be useful also for anti-satellite use.

The Strategic Defense Initiative gave the US and Soviet ASAT programs a major boost; ASAT projects were adapted for [[anti-ballistic missile|ABM]] use and the reverse was also true. The initial US plan was to use the already-developed MHV as the basis for a space based constellation of about 40 platforms deploying up to 1,500 kinetic interceptors. By 1988 the US project had evolved into an extended four-stage development. The initial stage would consist of the [[Brilliant Pebbles]]<ref>[[The Heritage Foundation]]. [http://s3.amazonaws.com/thf_media/1990/pdf/bg748.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054157/http://s3.amazonaws.com/thf_media/1990/pdf/bg748.pdf|date=4 March 2016}}. Accessed 21 January 2012.</ref> defense system, a [[satellite constellation]] of 4,600 kinetic interceptors (KE ASAT) of {{convert|100|lb|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} each in [[Low Earth orbit]] and their associated tracking systems. The next stage would deploy the larger platforms and the following phases would include the laser and charged particle beam weapons that would be developed by that time from existing projects such as [[MIRACL]]. The first stage was intended to be completed by 2000 at a cost of around $125 billion.

Research in the US and the Soviet Union was proving that the requirements, at least for orbital based energy weapon systems, were, with available technology, close to impossible. Nonetheless, the strategic implications of a possible unforeseen breakthrough in technology forced the USSR to initiate massive spending on research in the [[Five-year plans for the national economy of the Soviet Union#Twelfth Plan, 1986–1990|12th Five Year Plan]], drawing all the various parts of the project together under the control of [[GUKOS]] and matching the US proposed deployment date of 2000. Ultimately, the Soviet Union approached the point of experimental implementation of orbital laser platforms with the (failed) launch of [[Polyus (spacecraft)|Polyus]].

Both countries began to reduce expenditure from 1989 and the Russian Federation unilaterally discontinued all SDI research in 1992. Research and Development (both of ASAT systems and other space based/deployed weapons) has, however, reported to have been resumed under the government of [[Vladimir Putin]] as a counter to renewed US Strategic Defense efforts post [[Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty]]. However, the status of these efforts, or indeed how they are being funded through [[National Reconnaissance Office]] projects of record, remains unclear. The US has begun working on a number of programs which could be foundational for a space-based ASAT. These programs include the Experimental Spacecraft System ([[USA-165]]), the [[Near Field Infrared Experiment]] (NFIRE), and the space-based interceptor (SBI).

===Russia===
{{see also|Kosmos 1408}}
After the [[Dissolution of the Soviet Union|collapse of the Soviet Union]], the MiG-31D project was put on hold due to reduced defence expenditures.<ref>{{citation |url= https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA338573.pdf |title= Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994 |first1= Nicholas |last1= Johnson |first2= David |last2= Rodvold |publisher= Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory |page= 348}}</ref> However, in August 2009, [[Alexander Zelin]] announced that the [[Russian Air Force]] had resumed this program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20090812/155794013.html |title=Is Russia ready for Star Wars? |publisher= [[RIA Novosti]] |website=En.rian.ru |date=12 August 2009 |access-date=17 November 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090816103359/http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20090812/155794013.html |archive-date=16 August 2009 |quote= Zelin announced the decision to reinitiate the program to develop anti-space systems based on the heavy fighter interceptor MiG-31.}}</ref> The [[Sokol Eshelon]] is a prototype laser system based on an [[Beriev A-60|A-60]] airplane which is reported to be restarting development in 2012.<ref name="podvig-asat">{{cite journal|url=http://russianforces.org/blog/2012/11/russia_to_resume_work_on_airbo.shtml|title=Russia to resume work on airborne laser ASAT|first=Pavel|last=Podvig|journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces|date=13 November 2012|access-date=17 November 2012|publisher=Russianforces.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420180257/http://russianforces.org/blog/2012/11/russia_to_resume_work_on_airbo.shtml|archive-date=20 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>{{update inline|date=March 2019}}

Three more launches were reportedly held in December 2016, on 26 March 2018, and on 23 December 2018{{mdash}}the latter two from a TEL.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://russianforces.org/blog/2018/04/successful_nudol_asat_test_rep_1.shtml|title=Successful Nudol ASAT test reported|first=Pavel|last=Podvig|date=2 April 2018|journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces|access-date=21 January 2019|via=russianforces.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118130223/http://russianforces.org/blog/2018/04/successful_nudol_asat_test_rep_1.shtml|archive-date=18 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/18/russia-succeeds-in-mobile-anti-satellite-missile-test-us-intelligence-report.html|title=Russia succeeds in mobile anti-satellite missile test: US intelligence report|first1=Amanda|last1=Macias|first2=Michael|last2=Sheetz|date=18 January 2019|website=Cnbc.com|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120214754/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/18/russia-succeeds-in-mobile-anti-satellite-missile-test-us-intelligence-report.html|archive-date=20 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

A new type of ASAT missile was seen carried by a MiG-31 in September 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/economics/26-10-2018/141880-anti_satellite-0/|title=Russia to field new anti-satellites missiles for MiG-31 interceptor already soon – New Russian weapons|date=26 October 2018|website=PravdaReport.com|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155033/http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/economics/26-10-2018/141880-anti_satellite-0/|archive-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a23549729/russias-mig-31-spotted-with-possible-anti-satellite-missile/|title=Russia's MiG-31 Spotted With Possible Anti-Satellite Missile|first=Kyle|last=Mizokami|date=1 October 2018|website=Popularmechanics.com|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155117/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a23549729/russias-mig-31-spotted-with-possible-anti-satellite-missile/|archive-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 April 2020, [[United States|US]] officials said Russia conducted a direct ascent anti-satellite missile test that could take out spacecraft or satellites in [[low Earth orbit]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kramer |first1=Miriam |title=Russia launches test of anti-satellite weapon |url=https://www.axios.com/russia-anti-satellite-missile-launch-ca9c3f20-f2af-4c11-b814-b2755a40df71.html |access-date=16 April 2020 |issue=15 April 2020 |publisher=Axios |archive-date=16 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416004224/https://www.axios.com/russia-anti-satellite-missile-launch-ca9c3f20-f2af-4c11-b814-b2755a40df71.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sheetz |first1=Michael |title=Russia tests anti-satellite missile, US general says |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/russia-tests-anti-satellite-missile-us-general-says.html |access-date=16 April 2020 |issue=15 April 2020 |publisher=CNBC |archive-date=16 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416040112/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/russia-tests-anti-satellite-missile-us-general-says.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A new test launch took place on 16 December 2020.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://russianforces.org/blog/2020/12/nudol_asat_system_tested_from.shtml|title=Nudol ASAT system tested from Plesetsk|first=Pavel|last=Podvig|date=16 December 2020|journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces|via=russianforces.org|access-date=17 December 2020|archive-date=17 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217144510/http://russianforces.org/blog/2020/12/nudol_asat_system_tested_from.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2021, [[Kosmos 1408]] was successfully destroyed by a Russian anti-satellite missile in a test, causing a debris field that affected the [[International Space Station]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grush |first1=Loren |title=Russia blows up a satellite, creating a dangerous debris cloud in space |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782946/russia-asat-test-satellite-international-space-station-debris |work=The Verge |date=15 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2024, U.S. intelligence sources hinted that Russia was working on an anti-satellite weapon with some sort of nuclear technology, though it was unclear if it was a nuclear weapon or merely a nuclear-powered device.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1231594952/russia-national-security-threat-space-nuclear |title=Russia is working on a weapon to destroy satellites but has not deployed one yet |date=February 15, 2024 |publisher=[[NPR]] |author1=Geoff Brumfiel |author2=Tom Bowman}}</ref>

===China===
{{Main|ASAT program of China|2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test}}
[[File:Fengyun-1C debris.jpg|thumb|Known orbit planes of [[Fengyun|Fengyun-1C]] debris one month after its disintegration by the Chinese ASAT]]

On 11 January 2007, the People's Republic of China successfully destroyed a defunct Chinese weather satellite, [[Fengyun|Fengyun-1C]] (FY-1C, COSPAR {{Cospar|id=1999-025A}}). The destruction was reportedly carried out by an SC-19 ASAT missile with a kinetic kill [[warhead]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070119/ts_afp/chinausspacemilitary |title=China silent on satellite killer |location=Beijing |agency=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] |date=18 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210230411/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070119/ts_afp/chinausspacemilitary |archive-date=10 February 2007}}</ref> similar in concept to the American [[Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle]]. FY-1C was a weather satellite orbiting Earth in polar orbit at an altitude of about {{convert|865|km|abbr=on}}, with a mass of about {{convert|750|kg|comma=off|abbr=on}}. Launched in 1999, it was the fourth satellite in the [[Fengyun]] series.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://swfound.org/media/115643/china_asat_testing_fact_sheet_aug_2013.pdf|title = Anti-satellite Tests in Space – The Case of China|date = 16 August 2013|publisher = Secure World Foundation|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140802030908/http://www.swfound.org/media/115643/china_asat_testing_fact_sheet_aug_2013.pdf|archive-date = 2 August 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref>

The missile was launched from a mobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle at [[Xichang Satellite Launch Center|Xichang]] ({{Coord|28.247|N|102.025|E|display=inline|name=Xichang Satellite Launch Center}}) and the warhead destroyed the satellite in a head-on collision at an extremely high relative velocity. Evidence suggests that the same SC-19 system was also tested in 2005, 2006, 2010, and 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://swfound.org/media/115643/china_asat_testing_fact_sheet_aug_2013.pdf|title = Anti-satellite Tests in Space – The Case of China|date = 16 August 2013|publisher = Secure World Foundation|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140802030908/http://www.swfound.org/media/115643/china_asat_testing_fact_sheet_aug_2013.pdf|archive-date = 2 August 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> In January 2007 [[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test|China demonstrated a satellite knock out]] whose detonation alone caused more than 40,000 new chunks of debris with a diameter larger than one centimeter and a sudden increase in the total amount of debris in orbit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Young|first=Kelly|title=Anti-satellite test generates dangerous space debris|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10999-anti-satellite-test-generates-dangerous-space-debris/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=New Scientist|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Problem Weltraumschrott: Die kosmische Müllkippe |url=http://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/weltall/weltraumschrott-esa-tagung-in-darmstadt-ohne-ergebnisse-a-1144174.html |website=[[Spiegel Online]] |date=22 April 2017 |access-date=22 April 2017|last1=Seidler |first1=Christoph }}</ref>

In May 2013, the Chinese government announced the launch of a suborbital rocket carrying a scientific payload to study the upper ionosphere.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2013/05-14/4817925.shtml|title = China once again high-altitude scientific exploration test: height higher data more|date = 14 May 2013|work = China News Network|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140810072647/http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2013/05-14/4817925.shtml|archive-date = 10 August 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> However, US government sources described it as the first test of a new ground-based ASAT system.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-launch-idUSBRE94E07D20130515|title = U.S. sees China launch as test of anti-satellite muscle: source|last = Shalal-Esa|first = Andrea|date = 15 May 2013|work = Reuters|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924181258/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/15/us-china-launch-idUSBRE94E07D20130515|archive-date = 24 September 2015|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> An open source analysis by [[Secure World Foundation]], based in part on commercial satellite imagery, found that it may indeed have been a test of a new ASAT system that could potentially threaten US satellites in [[geostationary Earth orbit]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://swfound.org/media/167224/Through_a_Glass_Darkly_March2014.pdf|title = Through a Glass, Darkly: Chinese, American, and Russian Anti-satellite Testing in Space|date = 17 March 2014|website = Secure World Foundation|last = Weeden|first = Brian|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903184503/http://swfound.org/media/167224/Through_a_Glass_Darkly_March2014.pdf|archive-date = 3 September 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> Similarly on 5 February 2018, China tested an exoatmospheric ballistic missile with the potential to be used as an ASAT weapon, the Dong Neng-3, with state media reporting that the test was purely defensive and it achieved its desired objectives.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Panda |first1=Ankit |title=Revealed: The Details of China's Latest Hit-To-Kill Interceptor Test |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/02/revealed-the-details-of-chinas-latest-hit-to-kill-interceptor-test/ |website=The Diplomat |access-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124458/https://thediplomat.com/2018/02/revealed-the-details-of-chinas-latest-hit-to-kill-interceptor-test/ |archive-date=9 February 2019 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

The [[HQ-29]] ({{zh|s=红旗-29|t=紅旗-29|p=Hóng Qí-29|l=Red Banner-29}}) is an [[anti-ballistic missile]] (ABM) and anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) system.<ref>https://www.newsweek.com/china-builds-own-golden-dome-rival-us-missile-defense-2124240</ref>

===India===
{{Main|Mission Shakti}}
[[File:Launch of DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor missile for an ASAT test on 27 March 2019.jpg|thumb|The launch of a [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|PDV Mk-II]] interceptor for an ASAT test in March 2019]]
In a televised press briefing during the 97th Indian Science Congress held in Thiruvananthapuram, the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) Director General Rupesh announced that India was developing the necessary technology that could be combined to produce a weapon to destroy enemy satellites in orbit. On 10 February 2010, DRDO Director-General and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, Dr. [[V. K. Saraswat|Vijay Kumar Saraswat]] stated that India had "all the building blocks necessary" to integrate an anti-satellite weapon to neutralize hostile satellites in [[Low Earth Orbit|low Earth]] and [[polar orbit]]s.<ref name="spacenews.com">{{Cite web|date=4 January 2010|title=India Developing Means To Destroy Satellites|url=https://spacenews.com/india-developing-means-destroy-satellites/|access-date=2021-07-06|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref>

In April 2012, DRDO's chairman V. K. Saraswat said that India possessed the critical technologies for an ASAT weapon from radars and interceptors developed for [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/agni-v-drdo-chief-dr-vijay-kumar-saraswat-interview-100405-2012-04-27|title=India has all the building blocks for an anti-satellite capability|newspaper=[[India Today]]|date=27 April 2012|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327081410/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/agni-v-drdo-chief-dr-vijay-kumar-saraswat-interview-100405-2012-04-27|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2012, Ajay Lele, an [[Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses]] fellow, wrote that an ASAT test would bolster India's position if an international regime to control the proliferation of ASATs similar to [[Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons|NPT]] were to be established. He suggested that a low-orbit test against a purpose-launched satellite would not be seen as irresponsible.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lele |first1=Ajay |title=Should India Conduct an ASAT Test Now? |url=https://idsa.in/idsacomments/ShouldIndiaConductanASATTestNow_alele_110712 |website=idsa.in |publisher=Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |date=11 July 2012 |access-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327211602/https://idsa.in/idsacomments/ShouldIndiaConductanASATTestNow_alele_110712 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The programme was sanctioned in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anti-satellite missile project was given clearance 2 years back: DRDO chief |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/anti-satellite-missile-project-was-given-clearance-2-years-back-drdo-chief/story-trk3RzHC8hpfVV4Oign4fI.html |work=Hindustan Times |agency=Press Trust of India |date=27 March 2019 |language=en |access-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328052317/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/anti-satellite-missile-project-was-given-clearance-2-years-back-drdo-chief/story-trk3RzHC8hpfVV4Oign4fI.html |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 27 March 2019, India successfully conducted an ASAT test called [[Mission Shakti]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/explained-whats-mission-shakti-and-how-was-it-executed/articleshow/68607473.cms|title=Explained: What's Mission Shakti and how was it executed?|last=Chaudhury|first=Dipanjan Roy|date=28 March 2019|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404194229/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/explained-whats-mission-shakti-and-how-was-it-executed/articleshow/68607473.cms|archive-date=4 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The interceptor was able to strike a test satellite at a {{convert|300|km|0|adj=on}} altitude in [[low earth orbit]] (LEO), thus successfully testing its ASAT missile. The interceptor was launched at around 05:40 UTC at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in [[Chandipur, Odisha]] and hit its target [[Microsat-R]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-idUSKCN1R91DM|title=India says space debris from anti-satellite test to 'vanish' in 45...|date=28 March 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=28 March 2019|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328164635/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-idUSKCN1R91DM|archive-date=28 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> after 168 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2019/03/27/mission-shakti-drdo-asat-missile-hit-microsat-r-isro.html|title=Explained Mission Shakti {{!}} What is A-SAT and how it hit Microsat-R in 168 secs|website=OnManorama|language=en|access-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328114655/https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2019/03/27/mission-shakti-drdo-asat-missile-hit-microsat-r-isro.html|archive-date=28 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-shows-off-tech-to-kill-satellites-will-also-help-tackle-high-altitude-missiles/articleshow/68602482.cms|title=India shows off tech to 'kill' satellites, will also help tackle high-altitude missiles|website=The Times of India|date=27 March 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327160521/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-shows-off-tech-to-kill-satellites-will-also-help-tackle-high-altitude-missiles/articleshow/68602482.cms|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The operation was named ''Mission Shakti''. The missile system was developed by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO)—a research wing of the Indian defence services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1569563|title=Press Information Bureau|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327231500/http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1569563|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> With this test, India became the fourth nation with anti-satellite missile capabilities. India stated that this capability is a deterrent and is not directed against any nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/indias-anti-satellite-weapons/|title=India's Anti-Satellite Weapons|author=Harsh Vasani|website=Thediplomat.com|url-access=limited|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101131652/https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/indias-anti-satellite-weapons/|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/03/27/india-test-anti-satellite-weapon-modi.html|title=India successfully tests anti-satellite weapon: Modi|website=Theweek.in|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712020749/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/03/27/india-test-anti-satellite-weapon-modi.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Indian_ASAT_target_Microsat-R_in_satellite_preparation_facility.png|thumb|Microsat-R in satellite preparation facility.]]
In a statement released after the test, [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Indian Ministry of External Affairs]] said that the test was conducted at low altitude to ensure that the resulting debris would "decay and fall back onto the Earth within weeks".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-usa-idUSKCN1R825Z|title=U.S. says studying India anti-satellite weapons test, warns on debris|date=27 March 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=27 March 2019|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327210218/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-usa-idUSKCN1R825Z|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/31179/Frequently_Asked_Questions_on_Mission_Shakti_Indias_AntiSatellite_Missile_test_conducted_on_27_March_2019|title=Frequently Asked Questions on Mission Shakti, India's Anti-Satellite Missile test conducted on 27 March 2019|website=www.mea.gov.in|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410104320/https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl%2F31179%2FFrequently_Asked_Questions_on_Mission_Shakti_Indias_AntiSatellite_Missile_test_conducted_on_27_March_2019|archive-date=10 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[Jonathan McDowell]], an astrophysicist at [[Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics]], some debris might persist for a year, but most should burn up in the atmosphere within several weeks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Salazar |first1=Doris Elin |title=India Says Its Anti-Satellite Weapon Test Created Minimal Space Debris. Is That True? |url=https://www.space.com/india-anti-satellite-weapon-test-debris.html |work=Space.com |date=28 March 2019 |access-date=17 April 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410082200/https://www.space.com/india-anti-satellite-weapon-test-debris.html |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Brian Weeden of Secure World Foundation agreed, but warned about the possibility of some fragments getting boosted to higher orbits. US [[Air Force Space Command]] said that it was tracking 270 pieces of [[Space debris|debris]] from the test.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |title=U.S. military sensors track debris from Indian anti-satellite test |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/03/27/u-s-military-sensors-track-debris-from-indian-anti-satellite-test/ |work=Spaceflight Now |date=27 March 2019 |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328230125/https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/03/27/u-s-military-sensors-track-debris-from-indian-anti-satellite-test/ |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following the test, acting [[United States Secretary of Defense]] [[Patrick M. Shanahan|Patrick Shanahan]] warned about the risks of space debris caused by ASAT tests, but later added that he did not expect debris from the Indian test to last.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Phil |title=U.S. studying India anti-satellite weapons test, warns of space debris |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-usa/us-says-studying-india-anti-satellite-weapons-test-warns-on-debris-idUSKCN1R825Z |work=Reuters |date=28 March 2019 |language=en |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329013746/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-usa/us-says-studying-india-anti-satellite-weapons-test-warns-on-debris-idUSKCN1R825Z |archive-date=29 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Phil |title=U.S. sees India space debris from weapons test eventually burning up |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-usa/u-s-sees-india-space-debris-from-weapons-test-eventually-burning-up-idUSKCN1R91T0 |work=Reuters |date=28 March 2019 |language=en |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328235207/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite-usa/u-s-sees-india-space-debris-from-weapons-test-eventually-burning-up-idUSKCN1R91T0 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[United States Department of State]] acknowledged [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]]' statement on space debris and reiterated its intention to pursue shared interests in space including on space security with India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/us-takes-note-of-indias-first-anti-missile-test/article26660703.ece|title=US adopts neutral stand on 'Mssion Shakti', to continue space collaboration with India|newspaper=The Hindu Business Line|language=en|date=28 March 2019|access-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328104541/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/us-takes-note-of-indias-first-anti-missile-test/article26660703.ece|archive-date=28 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Russia acknowledged India's statement on the test not being targeted against any nation and invited India to join the Russian–Chinese proposal for a [[Militarisation of space#Space Preservation Treaty|treaty against weaponisation of space]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chaudhury |first1=Dipanjan Roy |title=Russia puts onus on US for early outer space rules after India's test |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/russia-puts-onus-us-for-early-outer-space-rules-after-indias-test/articleshow/68626644.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=29 March 2019 |access-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330032430/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/russia-puts-onus-us-for-early-outer-space-rules-after-indias-test/articleshow/68626644.cms |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:Arrow-3 Jan-03-2013 (c).jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Arrow 3]] missile]]

=== Israel ===
{{See also|Arrow 3}}The Arrow 3 or Hetz 3 is an anti-ballistic missile, currently in service. It provides exo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles. It is also believed (by experts such as Prof. Yitzhak Ben Yisrael, chairman of the [[Israel Space Agency]]), that it will operate as an ASAT.<ref name="a3asat">{{Cite news|last = Opall-Rome|first = Barbara|title = Israeli experts: Arrow-3 could be adapted for anti-satellite role|publisher = [[Space News]]|date = 9 November 2009|url =https://spacenews.com/israeli-experts-arrow-3-could-be-adapted-anti-satellite%E2%80%82role/|access-date = 8 January 2023}}</ref>

In November 2023, Israel's Arrow 3 missile defense system successfully intercepted a missile above the Earths atmosphere launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. While it was not a satellite, this was the first time a missile was intercepted in space during wartime; demonstrating the theoretical capabilities of such a system to intercept a satellite.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Israel shot down a ballistic missile in space for the first time |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/04/how-israel-shot-down-ballistic-missile-in-space-houthis/ |last=Barber |first=Harriet |date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126220638/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/04/how-israel-shot-down-ballistic-missile-in-space-houthis/ |archive-date=2024-11-26 |website=[[The_Daily_Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=This Groundbreaking Ballistic Missile Intercept Was Also the First Combat in Space |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a45862545/first-combat-in-space/ |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |date=2023-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927010720/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a45862545/first-combat-in-space/ |archive-date=2024-09-27 |website=[[Popular Mechanics]] |last2=Roblin |first2=Sébastien}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== List of destructive anti-satellite tests ==
{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Date
!Country
!Anti-satellite weapon
!Target
!Altitude
!Ref.
|-
|''{{Date|1958–1962}}''
|''{{United States}}''
''{{Flag|Soviet Union}}''
|''Various [[High-altitude nuclear explosion|high-altitude nuclear test]] missiles''
|''None; various satellites unintentionally disabled''
|''See [[List of artificial radiation belts|artificial radiation belts]]''
|
|-
|1968–1982
|{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|[[Istrebitel Sputnikov]] co-orbital interceptors
|[[Istrebitel Sputnikov]] targets
|~100–2,300 km
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|{{Date|13 September 1985}}
|{{United States}}
|[[ASM-135 ASAT]]
|[[Solwind P78-1]]
|{{Units|555|u=km}}
|<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kestenbaum |first=David |date=19 January 2007 |title=Chinese missile destroys satellite in 500-mile orbit |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6923805 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121121752/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6923805 |archive-date=21 November 2011 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[NPR]]}}</ref>
|-
|[[2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test|{{Date|11 jan 2007}}]]
|{{China}}
|[[DF-21#SC-19|SC-19]]
|[[FY-1C]]
|{{Units|865|u=km}}
|<ref>{{cite web |date=16 August 2013 |title=Anti-satellite Tests in Space – The Case of China |url=http://swfound.org/media/115643/china_asat_testing_fact_sheet_aug_2013.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802030908/http://www.swfound.org/media/115643/china_asat_testing_fact_sheet_aug_2013.pdf |archive-date=2 August 2014 |publisher=Secure World Foundation |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|[[Operation Burnt Frost|{{Date|21 February 2008}}]]
|{{United States}}
|[[RIM-161 Standard Missile 3]]
|[[USA-193]]
|{{Units|247|u=km}}
|<ref name="Space_Track2">Data retrieved from the U.S. military's public satellite catalog maintained at {{cite web |title=Space Track |url=http://www.space-track.org |url-access=registration |access-date=12 August 2013}}</ref>
|-
|{{Date|27 mar 2019}}
|{{Flag|India}}
|[[Mission Shakti|PDV Mark-II]]
|[[Microsat-R]]
|{{Units|283|u=km}}
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 March 2019 |title=India shows off tech to 'kill' satellites, will also help tackle high-altitude missiles |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-shows-off-tech-to-kill-satellites-will-also-help-tackle-high-altitude-missiles/articleshow/68602482.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327160521/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-shows-off-tech-to-kill-satellites-will-also-help-tackle-high-altitude-missiles/articleshow/68602482.cms |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>
|-
|{{Date|15 nov 2021}}
|{{Flag|Russia}}
|[[A-235 anti-ballistic missile system|A-235 PL-19 Nudol]]
|[[Kosmos 1408]]
|~{{Units|465|u=km}}
|<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grush |first1=Loren |date=15 November 2021 |title=Russia blows up a satellite, creating a dangerous debris cloud in space |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782946/russia-asat-test-satellite-international-space-station-debris |work=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>
|}

==Limits of anti-satellite weapons==
{{One source section|date=March 2019}}
While it has been suggested that a country intercepting the satellites of another country in the event of a conflict could seriously hinder the latter's military operations, the ease of shooting down orbiting satellites has been questioned. Although satellites have been successfully intercepted at low orbiting altitudes, the tracking of military satellites for a length of time could be complicated by defensive measures like inclination changes. Depending on the level of tracking capabilities, the interceptor would have to pre-determine the point of impact while compensating for the satellite's lateral movement and the time for the interceptor to climb and move.<ref name="thediplomat13nov14" />

US [[intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (ISR) satellites orbit at about {{convert|800|km|mi|abbr=on}} high and move at {{convert|7.5|km/s|mi/s|abbr=on}}, so if conflict was to break out between the United States and China, a Chinese [[Intermediate-range ballistic missile]] would need to compensate for {{convert|1350|km|mi|comma=off|abbr=on}} of movement in the three minutes it takes to boost to that altitude. However, even if the ISR satellite is knocked out, the US possesses an extensive array of crewed and uncrewed ISR aircraft that could perform missions at standoff ranges from Chinese land-based air defences.<ref name="thediplomat13nov14">[https://thediplomat.com/2014/11/chinas-deceptively-weak-anti-satellite-capabilities/ China’s Deceptively Weak Anti-Satellite Capabilities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115172606/https://thediplomat.com/2014/11/chinas-deceptively-weak-anti-satellite-capabilities/ |date=15 November 2014 }} – Thediplomat.com, 13 November 2014</ref>

[[Global Positioning System]] and communications satellites orbit at higher altitudes of {{convert|20200|km|mi|comma=gaps|abbr=on}} and {{convert|35800|km|mi|comma=gaps|abbr=on}} respectively, and this puts them out of range of solid-fuelled [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s. Liquid-fuelled space launch vehicles could reach those altitudes, but they are more time-consuming to launch and could be attacked on the ground before being able to launch in rapid succession. The constellation of 30 GPS satellites provides redundancy where at least four satellites can be received in six orbital planes at any one time, so an attacker would need to disable at least six satellites to disrupt the network.<ref name="thediplomat13nov14" /> However, even if the attack is successful, signal degradation only lasts for 95 minutes and backup [[Inertial navigation system|inertial navigation systems (INS)]] would still be available for relatively accurate movement as well as [[laser-guided|laser guidance]] for weapons targeting. For communications, the Naval Telecommunications System (NTS) used by the [[U.S. Navy|US Navy]] uses three elements: tactical communications among a battle group; long-haul communications between shore-based forward Naval Communications Stations (NAVCOMSTAs) and deployed afloat units; and strategic communication connecting NAVCOMSTAs with National Command Authorities (NCA).<ref name="thediplomat13nov14" /> The first two elements use line-of-sight ({{convert|25|-|30|km|nmi mi|abbr=on}}) and extended line-of-sight ({{convert|300|-|500|km|nmi mi|abbr=on}}) radios respectively, so only strategic communications are dependent on satellites. China would prefer to cut off deployed units from each other and then negotiate with the NCA to have the battle group withdraw or stand down, but ASATs could only achieve the opposite. Moreover, even if somehow a communications satellite were hit, a battle group could still perform its missions in the absence of direct guidance from the NCA.<ref name="thediplomat13nov14" />

=== Proposed law ===

On November 1, 2022, a [[UN]] working group adopted for the first time a resolution calling on countries to ban destructive anti-satellite missile tests. Although not legally binding, the resolution reflects an increase in international political support for a ban on these weapons. Other countries have noted that the United States has already tested its ASAT destruction capability and, therefore, this U.S.-backed resolution limits the progress of the other countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UN First Committee Calls for ASAT Test Ban |url=https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2022-12/news/un-first-committee-calls-asat-test-ban |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Arms Control Association}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Spaceflight|Technology}}
* [[Anti-ballistic missile]]
* [[Deep Black (1986 book)|''Deep Black'' (1986 book)]]
* [[High-altitude nuclear explosion]]
* [[Kill vehicle]]
* [[Militarisation of space]]
* [[Multiple Kill Vehicle]]
* [[Outer Space Treaty]]
* [[Space gun]]
* [[Space warfare]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}

{{Missile types}}
{{Politics of outer space}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Anti-Satellite Weapon}}
[[Category:Anti-satellite missiles| ]]
[[Category:Guided missiles by mission]]
[[Category:Types of missile]]
[[Category:Satellites]]
[[Category:Space weapons]]