Russian anti-satellite weapon raises tensions in low Earth orbit
According to the Pentagon, Russia likely launched an anti-satellite weapon into low Earth orbit last week. "We have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the domain, the space domain, and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support," said Major General Pat Ryder.
The United States reported that Russia likely launched an anti-satellite weapon last week, which is currently in the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite. Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder confirmed this information on Tuesday.
"What I'm tracking here is on May 16, as you highlighted, Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that we that we assess is likely a counter space weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit," Ryder told ABC News.
Russia has placed this new anti-satellite weapon on the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite. "Assessments further indicate characteristics resembling previously deployed counter space payloads from 2019 and 2022," said Ryder.
"We have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the space domain and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the joint and combined force. And we'll continue to balance the need to protect our interests in space with our desire to preserve a stable and sustainable space environment," he added.
Is Russia a threat to the U.S.?
Asked whether the Russian anti-satellite weapon threatens an American satellite, Ryder replied: "Well, it's a counter space weapon in the same orbit as a U.S. government satellite."
Although space launches require advance notification by air and sea, Ryder did not want to disclose whether the United States knew about the Russian plan in advance.
