# Anti-satellite weapon

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Kinetic energy device designed to destroy satellites in orbit

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 weapons](/source/Space_weapon) designed to incapacitate or destroy [satellites](/source/Satellite) for [strategic](/source/Military_strategy) or [tactical](/source/Military_tactics) purposes. Although no ASAT system has yet[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-satellite_weapon&action=edit) been utilized in [warfare](/source/Warfare), a few countries ([China](/source/China), [India](/source/India), [Russia](/source/Russia), and the [United States](/source/United_States)) have successfully shot down their own satellites to demonstrate[1] their ASAT capabilities in a [show of force](/source/Show_of_force).[2][3] ASATs have also been used to remove decommissioned satellites.[4]

ASAT roles include: defensive measures against an adversary's space-based and nuclear weapons, a [force multiplier](/source/Force_multiplier) for a nuclear [first strike](/source/First_strike_(nuclear_strategy)), a countermeasure against an adversary's [anti-ballistic missile defense](/source/Anti-ballistic_missile_defense_countermeasure) (ABM), an [asymmetric](/source/Asymmetric_warfare) counter to a technologically superior adversary, and a [counter-value](/source/Countervalue) weapon.[5]

Use of ASATs generates [space debris](/source/Space_debris), which can collide with other satellites and generate more space debris.[1] A cascading multiplication of space debris could cause [Earth](/source/Earth) to suffer from [Kessler syndrome](/source/Kessler_syndrome).

## History

The first anti-satellite technologies were developed during the cold war, with the Soviet [Istrebitel Sputnikov programme](/source/Istrebitel_Sputnikov) and the American [SAINT](/source/Project_SAINT).[6][7] Since, other states have also developed or researched ASAT capabilities.

### Soviet Union

A 1986 [DIA](/source/Defense_Intelligence_Agency) illustration of the IS system attacking a target

US DIA concept drawing of purported Soviet [Terra-3](/source/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 interceptor](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Polyot_(satellite)&action=edit&redlink=1) in 1963 and successfully tested an orbital anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in 1968.[8] According to some accounts, [Sergei Korolev](/source/Sergei_Korolev) started some work on the concept in 1956 at his [OKB-1](/source/OKB-1), while others attribute the work to [Vladimir Chelomei](/source/Vladimir_Chelomei)'s [OKB-52](/source/OKB-52) around 1959. What is certain is that at the beginning of April 1960, [Nikita Khrushchev](/source/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](/source/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](/source/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](/source/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 1400 kg (3086 lb), may be effective up to one kilometre from a target.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

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](/source/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 1 and 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Polyot_(satellite)&action=edit&redlink=1) 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.[9][10] A total of 23 launches have been identified as being part of the [IS](/source/Istrebitel_Sputnikov) 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](/source/Space_Shuttle). Elements within the Soviet space industry convinced [Leonid Brezhnev](/source/Leonid_Brezhnev) that the Shuttle was a single-orbit weapon that would be launched from [Vandenberg Air Force Base](/source/Vandenberg_Air_Force_Base), manoeuvre to avoid existing anti-ballistic missile sites, bomb Moscow in a first strike, and then land.[11] Although the Soviet military was aware these claims were false,[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] 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](/source/Yuri_Andropov) ended all IS testing and all attempts to resume it failed.[12] 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 [MiG-31D 'Foxhounds'](/source/Mikoyan_MiG-31) (at least six of which were completed) as the launch platform. The system was called 30P6 "Kontakt", the missile used is 79M6.[13][14] The USSR also experimented with arming the [Almaz](/source/Almaz) space stations with [Rikhter R-23](/source/Rikhter_R-23) aircraft auto-cannons. Another Soviet design was the [11F19DM Skif-DM/Polyus](/source/Polyus_(spacecraft)), an orbital megawatt laser that failed on launch in 1987.[15]

In 1987, [Mikhail Gorbachev](/source/Mikhail_Gorbachev) visited [Baikonur Cosmodrome](/source/Baikonur_Cosmodrome) and was shown an anti-satellite system called "Naryad" (Sentry), also known as 14F11, launched by [UR-100N](/source/UR-100N) rockets.[16]

### United States

A US [ASM-135 ASAT](/source/ASM-135_ASAT) missile

A US Vought [ASM-135 ASAT](/source/ASM-135_ASAT) missile launch on 13 September 1985, which destroyed [P78-1](/source/P78-1)

In the late 1950s, the [US Air Force](/source/U.S._Air_Force) started a series of advanced [strategic missile](/source/Strategic_missile) projects under the designation Weapon System WS-199A. One of the projects studied under the 199A umbrella was [Martin](/source/Glenn_L._Martin_Company)'s *[Bold Orion](/source/Bold_Orion)* [air-launched ballistic missile](/source/Air-launched_ballistic_missile) (ALBM) for the [B-47 Stratojet](/source/B-47_Stratojet), based on the rocket motor from the [Sergeant missile](/source/MGM-29_Sergeant). 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 [Altair](/source/X-248_Altair) upper stage to create an anti-satellite weapon with a 1770-kilometre (1100 mi) range. Only one test flight of the anti-satellite mission was carried out, making a mock attack on the [Explorer 6](/source/Explorer_6) at an altitude of 251 km (156 mi). 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 6.4 km (4 mi) of the satellite, which is suitable for use with a nuclear weapon, but useless for conventional warheads.[17]

A similar project carried out under 199A, [Lockheed](/source/Lockheed_Corporation)'s [High Virgo](/source/High_Virgo), was initially another ALBM for the [B-58 Hustler](/source/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](/source/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](/source/GAM-87_Skybolt) project. Simultaneous [US Navy](/source/United_States_Navy) projects were also abandoned although smaller projects did continue until the early 1970s.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The use of [high-altitude nuclear explosions](/source/High-altitude_nuclear_explosion) to destroy satellites was considered after the tests of the first conventional missile systems in the 1960s. During the [Hardtack Teak](/source/Hardtack_Teak) test in 1958 observers noted the damaging effects of the [electromagnetic pulse](/source/Electromagnetic_pulse) (EMP) caused by the explosions on electronic equipment, and during the [Starfish Prime](/source/Starfish_Prime) test in 1962 the EMP from a 1.4-megaton-of-TNT (5.9 PJ) 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](/source/DOMINIC_I) series. An adapted version of the nuclear armed [Nike Zeus](/source/Project_Nike) was used for an ASAT from 1962. Codenamed *Mudflap*, the missile was designated DM-15S and a single missile was deployed at the [Kwajalein](/source/Kwajalein) atoll until 1966 when the project was ended in favour of the USAF [Thor](/source/PGM-17_Thor)-based [Program 437](/source/Program_437) ASAT which was operational until 6 March 1975.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Another area of research was [directed-energy weapons](/source/Directed-energy_weapon), including a nuclear-explosion powered [X-ray laser](/source/X-ray_laser) proposal developed at [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory](/source/Lawrence_Livermore_National_Laboratory) (LLNL) in 1968. Other research was based on more conventional [lasers](/source/Laser) or [masers](/source/Maser) 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 [SDI](/source/Strategic_Defense_Initiative)).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

A [RIM-161 Standard Missile 3](/source/RIM-161_Standard_Missile_3) launched from [USS *Lake Erie*](/source/USS_Lake_Erie_(CG-70)), a [US Navy](/source/US_Navy) [*Ticonderoga* class](/source/Ticonderoga_class_cruiser) [cruiser](/source/Cruiser), 2005

Artists impression of [Solwind](/source/Solwind) intercepted by an [ASM-135](/source/ASM-135_ASAT)

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](/source/Vought) [ASM-135 ASAT](/source/ASM-135_ASAT), based on the [AGM-69 SRAM](/source/AGM-69_SRAM) with an Altair upper stage. The system was carried on a modified [F-15 Eagle](/source/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](/source/Head-up_display), and allowed for mid-course updates via a [data link](/source/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](/source/Edwards_Air_Force_Base), climbed to 11613 m (38100 ft)[18] and vertically launched the missile at the [Solwind P78-1](/source/Solwind_P78-1), a US gamma ray spectroscopy satellite orbiting at 555 km (345 mi), which was launched in 1979.[19] 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The launch of the [SM-3 missile](/source/RIM-161_Standard_missile_3) used to destroy [USA-193](/source/USA-193)

[USA-193](/source/USA-193) was an American [reconnaissance satellite](/source/Reconnaissance_satellite), which was launched on 14 December 2006 by a [Delta II](/source/Delta_II) rocket, from [Vandenberg Air Force Base](/source/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](/source/Orbit) at a rate of 500 m (1640 ft) per day.[20] After publicly announcing its intention to do so a week earlier,[21] on 21 February 2008, the US Navy destroyed USA-193 in [Operation Burnt Frost](/source/Operation_Burnt_Frost), using a ship-fired [RIM-161 Standard Missile 3](/source/RIM-161_Standard_Missile_3) about 247 km (153 mi) above the Pacific Ocean. That test produced 174 pieces of orbital debris large enough to detect that were cataloged by the US military.[22] 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.[22]

According to the US government, the primary reason for destroying the satellite was the approximately 450 kg (1000 lb) of toxic [hydrazine](/source/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.[23] 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.[24]

The United States has since ceased the testing of direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles, having outlawed the practice in 2022.[25][26]

### Strategic Defense Initiative and the Cold War

The era of the [Strategic Defense Initiative](/source/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 [ABM](/source/Anti-ballistic_missile) 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](/source/Brilliant_Pebbles)[27] defense system, a [satellite constellation](/source/Satellite_constellation) of 4,600 kinetic interceptors (KE ASAT) of 45 kg (100 lb) each in [Low Earth orbit](/source/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](/source/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 [12th Five Year Plan](/source/Five-year_plans_for_the_national_economy_of_the_Soviet_Union#Twelfth_Plan,_1986–1990), drawing all the various parts of the project together under the control of [GUKOS](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=GUKOS&action=edit&redlink=1) 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](/source/Polyus_(spacecraft)).

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](/source/Vladimir_Putin) as a counter to renewed US Strategic Defense efforts post [Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty](/source/Anti-Ballistic_Missile_Treaty). However, the status of these efforts, or indeed how they are being funded through [National Reconnaissance Office](/source/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](/source/USA-165)), the [Near Field Infrared Experiment](/source/Near_Field_Infrared_Experiment) (NFIRE), and the space-based interceptor (SBI).

### Russia

See also: [Kosmos 1408](/source/Kosmos_1408)

After the [collapse of the Soviet Union](/source/Dissolution_of_the_Soviet_Union), the MiG-31D project was put on hold due to reduced defence expenditures.[28] However, in August 2009, [Alexander Zelin](/source/Alexander_Zelin) announced that the [Russian Air Force](/source/Russian_Air_Force) had resumed this program.[29] The [Sokol Eshelon](/source/Sokol_Eshelon) is a prototype laser system based on an [A-60](/source/Beriev_A-60) airplane which is reported to be restarting development in 2012.[30][*[needs update](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items)*]

Three more launches were reportedly held in December 2016, on 26 March 2018, and on 23 December 2018—the latter two from a TEL.[31][32]

A new type of ASAT missile was seen carried by a MiG-31 in September 2018.[33][34]

On 15 April 2020, [US](/source/United_States) officials said Russia conducted a direct ascent anti-satellite missile test that could take out spacecraft or satellites in [low Earth orbit](/source/Low_Earth_orbit).[35][36] A new test launch took place on 16 December 2020.[37]

In November 2021, [Kosmos 1408](/source/Kosmos_1408) was successfully destroyed by a Russian anti-satellite missile in a test, causing a debris field that affected the [International Space Station](/source/International_Space_Station).[38]

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.[39]

### China

Main articles: [ASAT program of China](/source/ASAT_program_of_China) and [2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test](/source/2007_Chinese_anti-satellite_missile_test)

Known orbit planes of [Fengyun-1C](/source/Fengyun) 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-1C](/source/Fengyun) (FY-1C, COSPAR [1999-025A](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1999-025A)). The destruction was reportedly carried out by an SC-19 ASAT missile with a kinetic kill [warhead](/source/Warhead)[40] similar in concept to the American [Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle](/source/Exoatmospheric_Kill_Vehicle). FY-1C was a weather satellite orbiting Earth in polar orbit at an altitude of about 865 km (537 mi), with a mass of about 750 kg (1650 lb). Launched in 1999, it was the fourth satellite in the [Fengyun](/source/Fengyun) series.[41]

The missile was launched from a mobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle at [Xichang](/source/Xichang_Satellite_Launch_Center) ([28°14′49″N 102°01′30″E / 28.247°N 102.025°E / 28.247; 102.025 (Xichang Satellite Launch Center)](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Anti-satellite_weapon&params=28.247_N_102.025_E_&title=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.[42] In January 2007 [China demonstrated a satellite knock out](/source/2007_Chinese_anti-satellite_missile_test) 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.[43][44]

In May 2013, the Chinese government announced the launch of a suborbital rocket carrying a scientific payload to study the upper ionosphere.[45] However, US government sources described it as the first test of a new ground-based ASAT system.[46] An open source analysis by [Secure World Foundation](/source/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](/source/Geostationary_Earth_orbit).[47] 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.[48]

The [HQ-29](/source/HQ-29) ([simplified Chinese](/source/Simplified_Chinese_characters): 红旗-29; [traditional Chinese](/source/Traditional_Chinese_characters): 紅旗-29; [pinyin](/source/Pinyin): *Hóng Qí-29*; lit. 'Red Banner-29') is an [anti-ballistic missile](/source/Anti-ballistic_missile) (ABM) and anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) system.[49]

### India

Main article: [Mission Shakti](/source/Mission_Shakti)

The launch of a [PDV Mk-II](/source/Indian_Ballistic_Missile_Defence_Programme) 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](/source/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. [Vijay Kumar Saraswat](/source/V._K._Saraswat) stated that India had "all the building blocks necessary" to integrate an anti-satellite weapon to neutralize hostile satellites in [low Earth](/source/Low_Earth_Orbit) and [polar orbits](/source/Polar_orbit).[50]

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](/source/Indian_Ballistic_Missile_Defence_Programme).[51] In July 2012, Ajay Lele, an [Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses](/source/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 [NPT](/source/Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons) were to be established. He suggested that a low-orbit test against a purpose-launched satellite would not be seen as irresponsible.[52] The programme was sanctioned in 2017.[53]

On 27 March 2019, India successfully conducted an ASAT test called [Mission Shakti](/source/Mission_Shakti).[54] The interceptor was able to strike a test satellite at a 300-kilometre (186 mi) altitude in [low Earth orbit](/source/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](/source/Chandipur%2C_Odisha) and hit its target [Microsat-R](/source/Microsat-R)[55] after 168 seconds.[56][57] The operation was named *Mission Shakti*. The missile system was developed by the [Defence Research and Development Organisation](/source/Defence_Research_and_Development_Organisation) (DRDO)—a research wing of the Indian defence services.[58] 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.[59][60]

Microsat-R in satellite preparation facility.

In a statement released after the test, [Indian Ministry of External Affairs](/source/Ministry_of_External_Affairs_(India)) 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".[61][62] According to [Jonathan McDowell](/source/Jonathan_McDowell), an astrophysicist at [Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics](/source/Harvard%E2%80%93Smithsonian_Center_for_Astrophysics), some debris might persist for a year, but most should burn up in the atmosphere within several weeks.[63] 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](/source/Air_Force_Space_Command) said that it was tracking 270 pieces of [debris](/source/Space_debris) from the test.[64]

Following the test, acting [United States Secretary of Defense](/source/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense) [Patrick Shanahan](/source/Patrick_M._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.[65][66] The [United States Department of State](/source/United_States_Department_of_State) acknowledged [Ministry of External Affairs](/source/Ministry_of_External_Affairs_(India))' statement on space debris and reiterated its intention to pursue shared interests in space including on space security with India.[67] 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 [treaty against weaponisation of space](/source/Militarisation_of_space#Space_Preservation_Treaty).[68]

The [Arrow 3](/source/Arrow_3) missile

### Israel

See also: [Arrow 3](/source/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](/source/Israel_Space_Agency)), that it will operate as an ASAT.[69]

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.[70][71]

## List of destructive anti-satellite tests

Date Country Anti-satellite weapon Target Altitude Ref. 1958–1962 United States Soviet Union Various high-altitude nuclear test missiles None; various satellites unintentionally disabled See artificial radiation belts 1968–1982 Soviet Union Istrebitel Sputnikov co-orbital interceptors Istrebitel Sputnikov targets ~100–2,300 km [12] 13 September 1985 United States ASM-135 ASAT Solwind P78-1 555 km [18][72] 11 January 2007 China SC-19 FY-1C 865 km [73] 21 February 2008 United States RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 USA-193 247 km [74] 27 March 2019 India PDV Mark-II Microsat-R 283 km [75] 15 November 2021 Russia A-235 PL-19 Nudol Kosmos 1408 ~465 km [76]

## Limits of anti-satellite weapons

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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.[77]

US [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance](/source/Intelligence%2C_surveillance_and_reconnaissance) (ISR) satellites orbit at about 800 km (500 mi) high and move at 7.5 km/s (4.7 mi/s), so if conflict was to break out between the United States and China, a Chinese [Intermediate-range ballistic missile](/source/Intermediate-range_ballistic_missile) would need to compensate for 1350 km (840 mi) 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.[77]

[Global Positioning System](/source/Global_Positioning_System) and communications satellites orbit at higher altitudes of 20200 km (12600 mi) and 35800 km (22200 mi) respectively, and this puts them out of range of solid-fuelled [intercontinental ballistic missiles](/source/Intercontinental_ballistic_missile). 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.[77] However, even if the attack is successful, signal degradation only lasts for 95 minutes and backup [inertial navigation systems (INS)](/source/Inertial_navigation_system) would still be available for relatively accurate movement as well as [laser guidance](/source/Laser-guided) for weapons targeting. For communications, the Naval Telecommunications System (NTS) used by the [US Navy](/source/U.S._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).[77] The first two elements use line-of-sight (25–30 km (13–16 nmi; 16–19 mi)) and extended line-of-sight (300–500 km (160–270 nmi; 190–310 mi)) 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.[77]

### Proposed law

On November 1, 2022, a [UN](/source/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.[78]

## See also

- [Spaceflight portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Spaceflight)
- [Technology portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Technology)

- [Anti-ballistic missile](/source/Anti-ballistic_missile)

- [*Deep Black* (1986 book)](/source/Deep_Black_(1986_book))

- [High-altitude nuclear explosion](/source/High-altitude_nuclear_explosion)

- [Kill vehicle](/source/Kill_vehicle)

- [Militarisation of space](/source/Militarisation_of_space)

- [Multiple Kill Vehicle](/source/Multiple_Kill_Vehicle)

- [Outer Space Treaty](/source/Outer_Space_Treaty)

- [Particle-beam weapon](/source/Particle-beam_weapon)

- [Space gun](/source/Space_gun)

- [Space warfare](/source/Space_warfare)

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-thediplomat13nov14_77-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-thediplomat13nov14_77-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-thediplomat13nov14_77-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-thediplomat13nov14_77-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-thediplomat13nov14_77-4) [China’s Deceptively Weak Anti-Satellite Capabilities](https://thediplomat.com/2014/11/chinas-deceptively-weak-anti-satellite-capabilities/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141115172606/https://thediplomat.com/2014/11/chinas-deceptively-weak-anti-satellite-capabilities/) 15 November 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) – Thediplomat.com, 13 November 2014

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## External links

- Media related to [Anti-satellite weapons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Anti-satellite_weapons) at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Types of missile By platform Air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) Air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) Air-to-air missile (AAM) Air-to-surface missile (ASM) Ballistic missile Cruise missile Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) Shoulder-fired missile Standoff weapon Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) Surface-to-air missile (SAM) Surface-to-surface missile (SSM) Tactical ballistic missile (TBM) * Ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) * Theatre ballistic missile (TBM) * Medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) By target type Anti-ballistic missile (ABM) Anti-radiation missile (ARM) Anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) Anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) Anti-ship missile (AShM) Anti-submarine missile (ASuM) Anti-tank missile (ATGM) Land-attack missile (LAM) Man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) By guidance Unguided Radar guidance Radar altimeter Active radar homing (ARH) Semi-active radar homing (SARH) Passive radar Passive homing Track-via-missile (TVM) Anti-radiation Command guidance Command to line-of-sight (CLOS) Command off line of sight (COLOS) Manual command to line of sight (MCLOS) Semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) Automatic command to line of sight (ACLOS) Proportional navigation Pursuit guidance Beam riding (LOSBR) Infrared guidance Laser guidance Wire guidance Satellite guidance Global Positioning System (GPS) GLONASS Inertial guidance Astro-inertial guidance Terrestrial guidance TERCOM DSMAC Automatic target recognition (ATR) Radio guidance TV guidance Contrast seeker Predicted line of sight (PLOS) Lists List of military rockets List of missiles List of missiles by country List of anti-ship missiles List of anti-tank missiles List of ICBMs List of surface-to-air missiles See also: Sounding rocket

v t e Politics of outer space Spacefaring nations Space policy Space traffic management Space debris management Space Debris Working Group Space Debris Committee Planetary protection principle Post-detection policy Asteroid impact Prediction Avoidance Spaceguard The Spaceguard Foundation Space races Cold War Space Race Sputnik crisis Timeline Billionaire space race Mars race Records Space propaganda Space competition Chinese space program Two Bombs, One Satellite doctrine (1966–1976) Shuguang program (1966–1972) Chinese ASAT program (1964–) 2007 test Project 921 (1992–) Shenzhou program Tiangong program Space station Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (2003–) Mars and beyond Planetary Exploration of China (2016–) MARS-500 study ESA Science Programme European Launcher Development Organisation (1960–1975) Europa launcher programme (1962–1973) European Space Research Organisation (1964–1975) European Space Agency (1975–) EU/ESA Space Council European Cooperation for Space Standardization European Space Research and Technology Centre Concurrent Design Facility European Astronaut Centre ESA Centre for Earth Observation Living Planet Programme European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications European Data Relay System Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility (1983–2010) European Space Astronomy Centre (2005–) European Space Security and Education Centre European Space Operations Centre ESTRACK network Guiana Space Centre Ariane launcher programme (1973–) Vega launcher programme (1998–) European Space Policy Institute Space Situational Awareness Programme Future Launchers Preparatory Programme Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle PRIDE Space Rider ESA Television Mars and beyond Mars Exploration Joint Initiative MARS-500 study Aurora programme ExoMars Horizon 2000 (1985–1995) SOHO Cassini–Huygens Huygens Cluster Cluster II XMM-Newton Rosetta INTEGRAL Herschel Planck Horizon 2000 Plus (1995–2015) ISS programme Politics Gaia LISA Pathfinder BepiColombo Cosmic Vision (2015–2025) Solar Orbiter Euclid ARIEL EnVision CHEOPS JUICE ATHENA LISA Comet Interceptor SMILE EU Space Programme Western European Union Satellite Centre (1992–2002) EU Satellite Centre (2002–) EU/ESA Space Council EU Commission DG Defence Industry and Space European GNSS Supervisory Authority (2004–2010) European GNSS Agency (2010–2021) EU Agency for the Space Programme (2021–) Galileo programme Copernicus programme EGNOS programme EUSST programme Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications European Union Aviation Safety Agency European Network of Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authorities European Defence Agency Europe by Satellite Other European initiatives and bodies AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe Eurospace Eurocontrol Council of Europe Council of European Aerospace Societies European Broadcasting Union European Civil Aviation Conference European Committee for Standardization/European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations European Telecommunications Standards Institute European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites European Patent Organisation European Patent Office European Telecommunications Satellite Organization European Southern Observatory Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Indian space policy Department of Space Space Activities Bill Chandrayaan programme Mangalyaan programme Indian Human Spaceflight Programme Indian ASAT programme Mission Shakti British space programme Creation of the British National Committee for Space Research (1958) Start of the Ariel programme (1962) Black Arrow launcher (1964–1971) Creation of the British National Space Centre (1985) Outer Space Act 1986 Project Juno (1991) Space Innovation and Growth Team (2009–2010) Creation of the UK Space Agency (2010) Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 Space Industry Act 2018 UK Global Navigation Satellite System (2018–2020) 2021 Integrated Review Defence in a Competitive Age US space policy Truman space policy Operation Paperclip list of scientists Aerobee rocket program RAND Establishment of Cape Canaveral Eisenhower space policy WS-117L Project Vanguard Sputnik crisis Introduction to Outer Space 1958 NASA Act Space Act Agreement Cancellation of Man in Space Soonest Launch of Project Mercury Missile gap Launch of X-15 program Kennedy space policy Launch of the Mariner program Launch of the Gemini project Launch of the Apollo program "We choose to go to the Moon" Johnson space policy 1967 Outer Space Treaty Nixon space policy Moon landing Extra-Terrestrial Exposure Law Launch of the Space Shuttle Program Skylab Ford space policy Apollo–Soyuz Launch of the Viking program Carter space policy Reagan space policy Citizens' Advisory Council Strategy of Technology doctrine Strategic Defense Initiative Space Station Freedom proposal 1984 Space Act 1985 anti-satellite missile test Space Shuttle Challenger disaster Rogers Report Ride Report George H. W. Bush space policy Space Exploration Initiative 1990 Augustine Committee Hubble Space Telescope National Space Council Clinton space policy Faster, better, cheaper Gore–Chernomyrdin Commission ISS Shuttle–Mir program ISS programme Politics Launch of the Mars Exploration Program 1998 Space Act Decadal Planning Team Launch of the X-37 program George W. Bush space policy Aerospace Industry Commission 2002 National missile defense directive Space Shuttle Columbia disaster Vision for Space Exploration Aldridge Commission ESAS 2005 NASA Act Launch of the Constellation program Operation Burnt Frost Obama space policy 2009 Augustine Committee Kennedy Space Center speech Cancellation of the Constellation program Launch of the Space Launch System program Redesign of the Orion program Flexible path Mars Exploration Joint Initiative 2010 NASA Act Title 51 Space Shuttle retirement Development of the Commercial Crew Program 2014 NASA Act 2015 Space Act First Trump space policy Re-establishment of the National Space Council Creation of the Space Force Launch of the Artemis program Launch of the Lunar Gateway project Executive Order 13959 Biden space policy Return to lunar exploration Second Trump space policy Golden Dome missile defense system Expanding the commercial spaceflight industry First lunar flyby since Apollo Returning humans to the Moon China exclusion policy of NASA International Traffic in Arms Regulations Full-spectrum dominance doctrine Budget of NASA House Committee on Space NESDIS Office of Space Commerce FCC FAA/AST NRO IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society Antennas & Propagation Society Broadcast Technology Society Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society Vehicular Technology Society USSR and Russia Soviet space program Stalin Operation Osoaviakhim (1946) list of scientists Khrushchev Sputnik program Sputnik crisis (1957) Vostok program (1960–1963) Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (1960–1982) Soviet crewed lunar programs (1961–1976) Voskhod program (1964–1966) Brezhnev Soyuz program (1967–) Interkosmos (1967–1991) Salyut program (1971–1986) Almaz (1973–1977) Buran program (1974–1993) Apollo–Soyuz (1975) Gorbachev Mir (1986–2001) Roscosmos Yeltsin Gore–Chernomyrdin Commission ISS (1993–) Shuttle–Mir program ISS programme Politics Medvedev Medvedev modernisation programme 2010 Military doctrine Putin United Rocket and Space Corporation (2013–2015) 2014 Military doctrine 2015 Creation of Roscosmos Mars MARS-500 study ExoMars Other policies Australian space program Brazilian space program Emirati space program Japanese space program Kazakh space program Kenyan space program Lebanese space program North Korean space program Pakistani space program Space programme 2040 Philippine space program South Korean space program Ugandan space initiatives International Space Station programme Politics of the International Space Station United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization ITU-R Office for Outer Space Affairs UN-SPIDER Space Generation Advisory Council Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space General Assembly Fourth Committee Other intergovernmental or inter-agency bodies African Space Agency Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Committee on Space Research International Planetary Data Alliance International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Group on Earth Observations Global Standards Collaboration Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters' International Mobile Satellite Organization International Space Exploration Coordination Group International Space Station Multilateral Coordination Board International Telecommunications Satellite Organization Intersputnik Orbital Debris Co-ordination Working Group Regional African Satellite Communication Organization Arab Satellite Communications Organization Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization Space law Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963) Outer Space Treaty (1967) Rescue Agreement (1968) Space Liability Convention (1972) US-USSR Cooperation Agreement (1972) Satellite Convention (1974) Registration Convention (1975) Bogota Declaration (1976) Moon Treaty (1979) Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (1981) International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement (1988) International Space Station Intergovernmental Agreement (1998) International Docking System Standard International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters' (1999) Cape Town Treaty, Space Assets protocol (2012) Artemis Accords (2020) Space jurisdiction Common heritage of mankind Extraterrestrial real estate Astronomical naming conventions ITU Radio Regulations CCSDS standards ODCWG standards CEOS standards COSPAR standards International Designator IPDA standards GSC standards GEO standards ISECG standards Various conventions, treaties, agreements, memorandums, charters or declarations establishing and governing intergovernmental organisations or inter-agency bodies dealing with space affairs Commercial use Space industry India Russia United Kingdom United States Private spaceflight Launch market competition Space tourism Space advertising Space technology Space-based economy Space trade Space manufacturing Lunar resources Project Harvest Moon Asteroid mining Militarisation Space forces, units and formations Space forces Australia Brazil Canada China Colombia France Germany Iran AJA IRGC Israel Japan Netherlands New Zealand North Korea Pakistan Russia South Africa South Korea Spain Thailand Turkey United Kingdom United States History Structure Vietnam Ranks and insignia Space commands Australia France India Italy Mexico NATO NORAD Peru South Korea Spain United Kingdom United States Space warfare Space domain awareness Space weapon Anti-satellite weapon China India Russia United States Kinetic bombardment Kill vehicle Missile defense Military satellite Reconnaissance satellite Spaceplane Satellite jamming Space advocacy Air & Space Forces Association Alliance for Space Development National Space Society Space Frontier Foundation Mars Society Moon Society Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies British Interplanetary Society Coalition for Deep Space Exploration International Academy of Astronautics International Astronautical Federation International Astronomical Union Lunar Explorers Society Space Exploration Alliance Space Fellowship Space Force Association Space Foundation The Planetary Society

v t e Public-sector space agencies Africa Pan-African and pan-Arab RASCOM Arabsat National ASAL EgSA NARSS ESSTI GSSTC KSA CRTS NASRDA SANSA Americas North America CSA NASA NESDIS OSC FAA/AST FCC USSF USSPACECOM NRO Latin America and the Caribbean ALCE AEM CONAE ABE AEB DCTA INPE ITA CCE ABAE IVIC Asia Pan-Asian APSCO Central Asia KazCosmos1 Roscosmos1 SRI VK TNSA1 East Asia CNSA SASTIND CASC CALT CAST CCF CGWIC PLAASF CASIC JAXA ISAS JSS NICT NATA KASA KARI KASI SaTReC TASA South Asia BSPARRSO ISRO2 Antrix Corp DoS NRSC NSIL DSA SUPARCO Southeast Asia BRIN ORPA INASA MYSA PhilSA NSAS GISTDA VNSC MSA West Asia ArmCosmos1 MAKA1 NSSA NEHSA ISA ISRC ISA NCSR SSA KACST-SRI SSA2 GORS TUA TÜBİTAK UZAY UAESA (MBRSC) Europe Pan-European CEN/CENELEC CEPT ETSI Eurocontrol ECAC ESA ECSS ESTEC EAC ESRIN ECSAT ESAC ESOC ESTRACK Guiana Space Centre EUMETSAT EUTELSAT IGO ESO EU and EEA DG DEFIS EUSPA EU SatCen EASA BEREC ALR2 BELSPO BIRA-IASB SRTI2 CSO2 DTU Space ESO1 CNES2 AAE CdE DLR2 HSA HSO2 ASI LSA LSO1 SRON NLSA NOSA POLSA2 CBK PAN UKE KRRiT ORO ULC PTSPACE ROSA2 INTA AEC EAE AEE SNSA Other ArmCosmos1 MAKA1 BSA1 KazCosmos1 Roscosmos1 SRI VVKO SSO TUA TÜBİTAK UZAY SSAU1 UKSA2 Oceania ASA CSIRO NZSA World CCSDS CEOS COSPAR IPDA Cospas-Sarsat GEO GSC IADC ICSMD IMSO ISECG ISS MCB ITSO Intersputnik ODCWG ITU-R UNCOPUOS UNOOSA UNOSAT Former BNSC KCST INCOSPAR LAPAN NAL NASDA SSP MOM Interkosmos See also: Timeline of first orbital launches by country 1 Preceded by the Soviet space program 2 Preceded by Interkosmos participation

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Anti-satellite weapon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-satellite_weapon) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-satellite_weapon?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.