Russia accused of firing ‘weapon’ from satellite that could ‘threaten the peace of space’

Moscow ‘injected a new object into orbit’ from satellite Cosmos 2543, US Space Command says

By Samuel Lovett @samueljlovett | Independent.co.uk|

Russia has been accused by UK officials of threatening “the peaceful use of space” after launching a projectile “with the characteristics of a weapon” during a satellite test.

It is the first time the Ministry of Defence has called out Russian activity of this sort.

The head of the UK’s space directorate, air vice-marshal Harvey Smyth, said: “We are concerned by the manner in which Russia tested one of its satellites by launching a projectile with the characteristics of a weapon.

“Actions of this kind threaten the peaceful use of space and risk causing debris that could pose a threat to satellites and the space systems on which the world depends.

“We call on Russia to avoid any further such testing.

“We also urge Russia to continue to work constructively with the UK and other partners to encourage responsible behaviour in space.”

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