Vice President Kamala Harris announced last April that the U.S. will no longer conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests. She specifically mentioned the effect of these tests, which creates orbital debris.
And now, the U.S. is currently hoping that other countries will follow suit in prohibiting ASAT missile launches globally.
Harris Said the U.S. Will Ban ASAT Missile Tests
In a speech on Apr. 18 at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the U.S. Vice President and Chairwoman of the National Space Council stated that the country will prohibit ASAT missile testing that produces orbital debris, according to Space News.
The White House-led interagency National Space Council coordinates commercial, civil, and national security space activities.
In an effort to kick off a global movement to establish new norms for responsible behavior in space, the U.S. has self-imposed a restriction on testing ASAT weapons.
According to Harris, the U.S. will collaborate with business leaders and partners to take the lead in the creation of new policies that support the long-term sustainability and safety of space activities.
Russia and China Carried Out ASAT Missile Tests
One of the most urgent dangers to the safety and sustainability of space is believed to be tests like those undertaken by China in 2007 and Russia in November 2021.
Russia's missile strike on its own defunct satellite on Nov. 15 in low Earth orbit was widely criticized for being reckless and dangerous since it left behind a massive cloud of at least 1,500 pieces of debris.
Meanwhile, Harris pointed out that the 2007 test by China left behind 2,800 pieces of debris.
These debris are critical for space exploration since they might put future human spaceflight and orbiting satellites in danger.
In fact, the International Space Station's astronauts and cosmonauts were forced to look for shelter as a result of this incident.
In line with the crucial implications of ASAT missile testing, Harris said that using such technology to destroy satellite is "reckless and irresponsible."
The U.S. Is Planning To Introduce a U.N. Resolution To Ban ASAT Missile Tests
Harris said during his speech at the National Space Council meeting on Sept. 9 that the U.S. will present a resolution to the UN General Assembly asking other nations to stop ASAT missile testing. In other words, the U.S. is now hoping that other countries will follow suit and ban ASAT missile tests globally, according to a report by Gizmodo.
Harris said "later this month, the United States will introduce a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly to call on other nations to make the same commitment."
According to Gizmodo, it's possible that the decision to prohibit ASAT missile tests indicates the U.S.'s growing concern over its space assets. The publication specifically mentioned the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
