US to Ban Direct Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Tests, Harris Says

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday vowed that the United States would not conduct anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests, citing safety concerns.

It makes the United States the first nation to impose such a ban. Anti-satellite missile testing has been conducted by the United States, China, India, and Russia. It is a military demonstration in which an orbital object is destroyed using a missile system.

“Simply put, these tests are dangerous and we will not conduct them,” Harris said in her first major policy announcement since overseeing the National Space Council in 2021.

“As of today the United States commits not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent, anti-satellite missile testing,” Harris said during a visit to California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. “We are the first nation to make such a commitment. I call on all nations to join us.”

Harris cited the potential danger to astronauts and satellites, referring to a test conducted by China more than a decade ago that created thousands of pieces of debris that are still orbiting the Earth.

“These tests, to be sure, are reckless, as they are irresponsible. These tests could also endanger so much of what we do in space,” she said.

Russia on Nov. 15 test-launched an anti-satellite missile that struck a defunct Soviet-era spy satellite in low-Earth orbit, creating at least 1,632 pieces of space debris, according to a U.S. Space Force database of orbital objects.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken condemned the test at the time as “reckless and irresponsible,” as the debris field posed risks to active satellites in orbit and forced into shelter U.S. astronauts aboard the International Space Station, an orbital research laboratory managed primarily by NASA and Russia’s space agency Roscosmos.

The announcement also comes amid increased U.S. intelligence cooperation with Ukraine as Russia’s invasion drags on.

Western experts have been concerned that space-based intelligence satellites could be targeted and shot down by Russia amid the conflict.

Western experts have been concerned that space-based intelligence satellites could be targeted and shot down by Russia amid the conflict.

The White House said the debris created by these tests now threaten satellites and other space objects vital to all nations’ security, economic, and scientific interests, and increases the risk to astronauts in space.

The United States first signaled its support for an anti-satellite weapon test ban in December.

Harris added that “in the days and months ahead, we will work with other nations to establish this as a new international norm for responsible behavior in space.”

“I believe without clear norms we face unnecessary risks in space,” Harris said. “We must write the new rules of the road.”

By Isabel van Brugen

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Donald Trump’s Appointments Are Being Obstructed

Donald Trump is the only President in history that has had recess appointments blocked by his own party!

Trump Flag-Burning Ban: Unconstitutional, Un-American, and Trifling

Trump signed an EO to criminalize the burning of the American flag — the right to do which having already been adjudicated by the highest court in the land.

Using True Facts of History to Determine What is Right and What is Wrong

The amount of time separating a human act from a truthful description of it is not as important as the veracity of historians bringing it to light.

The Very British Stalemate: British Politics Explained for Americans

The assumption in the minds of American commentators, politicians, and analysts is that the UK has "gone to the dogs" with "woke" political ideology.

NFL Vikings Male Cheerleader Controversy  

The NFL under the leadership of Roger Goodell is back to yet another controversy that is causing backlash and a possible boycott.

Interior Department Plans to Revoke Permit for $11 Billion Maryland Offshore Wind Farm

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke a Biden-era permit for an $11.5 billion offshore wind farm planned off the coast of Maryland.

Kraft, Coca-Cola Defeat Lawsuit Over Ultra-Processed Foods

Judge dismissed lawsuit against major food and beverage manufacturers, ruling teenager who sued did not meet evidentiary standards for suit to proceed.

Judge Dismisses Trump Admin Lawsuit Against Federal Court in Maryland

Trump admin lost lawsuit against federal court in Maryland that's automatically blocking deportations for illegals who challenged their detention by fed govt.

Federal Appeals Court Says Pennsylvania Ballot Date Requirement Violates Constitution

Pennsylvania’s requirement that election officials reject ballots with missing dates violates the U.S. Constitution, a federal appeals court ruled on Aug. 26.

Commerce Secretary Says Pentagon Weighing Equity Stakes in Defense Contractors

DOD is weighing taking equity stakes in defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and others, Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick said in an interview.

Here’s What Major American Retailers Are Saying About Tariff Impacts

American retailers are doing what they can to keep tariffs from affecting consumers, but they acknowledge that eventually something has got to give.

Trump Threatens Tariffs for Nations With Digital Taxes on US Tech

The president said other countries’ digital taxes and regulations were ‘all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology.’

On 4th Anniversary of Afghan Attack, Trump Honors Soldiers Lost in US Withdrawal

President Trump welcomed Gold Star families and issued a proclamation honoring military lives lost during withdrawal from Afghanistan.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central