Russian satellite test had 'characteristics of weapon,' says UK space chief

23 July 2020, 17:56

The Russian satellite launch has caused concern in the UK and the US
The Russian satellite launch has caused concern in the UK and the US. Picture: PA

A Russian satellite launch has caused "concern" after it displayed "the characteristics of a weapon," the UK's space program leader has said.

Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth, Head of the UK's Space Directorate, criticised the test launch and branded Moscow's behaviour "irresponsible."

Mr Smyth warned there is a risk the launch could damage other systems that the rest of the world is heavily reliant on.

The UK space chief said Russia's actions could "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."

The US also condemned the action, describing the event as a test of an anti-satellite weapon.

In an unusual move, he took to Twitter to condemn the launch and urged Moscow to end to its tests, amid concerns Russia is developing a space-based weapon.

Read more: Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clash over Russia report at PMQs

Read more: MI5 to get more powers in wake of damning report into Russian threat to UK

He wrote: "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."

It is the first time the UK has openly criticised Russia for this sort of activity, despite Moscow having carried out tests like this before.

The launch of the projectile, from a Russian "inspector satellite" called Cosmos 2543, was described by the US as a "hostile act" that it finds concerning.

Read more: Explained - What were the key points in the 'Russia Report'?

Read more: Threat posed by Russia 'underestimated' by Government, major report finds

"Foreign interference - this is what Russia do": Intelligence expert

Few details are known about the object - fired last Wednesday, but only just made public - however the US Space Force has described it as a "non-destructive test of a space-based anti-satellite weapon."

The US space command said Russia "injected a new object into orbit" from the satellite Cosmos 2543.

"The Russian satellite system used to conduct this on-orbit weapons test is the same satellite system that we raised concerns about earlier this year when Russia manoeuvred near a US government satellite," said General Jay Raymond, US Space Force chief of space operations.

"This is further evidence of Russia's continuing efforts to develop and test space-based systems, and consistent with the Kremlin's published military doctrine to employ weapons that hold US and allied space assets at risk."

A defence source told Sky News Moscow had "crossed a line."

They said: "Although Russia has carried out tests similar to this before, they never done one on this scale. This is one step closer to the weaponisation of space. Star wars is closer to reality."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Donald Trump is reportedly considering joining Israel in attacking Iran, as officials say the US president is considering a US strike on the country.

Trump reportedly considering joining Israel in strikes on Iran, hours after claiming to know Khamenei’s location

The biggest lottery prize the UK has seen could still be won after Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw had no winners.

Single ticket holder wins largest ever EuroMillions jackpot prize at £208 million

Referee David Coote has been sacked.

Sacked Premier League referee David Coote charged by FA over ‘German c***’ Jurgen Klopp comments

Exclusive
Relatives of the Palestinians killed in Israeli attack, mourn as they carry the bodies to Nasser hospital for funeral procedures in Khan Yunis

Israeli Ambassador denies IDF is 'targeting civilians' as medics say 59 Palestinians killed by IDF at aid distribution centre

The man given a restraining order for stalking British number one Emma Raducanu has been caught trying to obtain tickets for this summer’s Wimbledon.

Emma Raducanu stalker caught trying to obtain Wimbledon tickets after tennis star was left 'shaken' by 'fixated' man

Eight-month-old Mabli had just said a final goodbye to her paternal grandmother Betty Hall, who was receiving end-of-life care at the Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

Driver who ran over and killed eight-month-old baby in pram has sentence cut

Exclusive
UK 'not going to be involved' in 'protecting' Israel during Iran conflict, Israeli ambassador confirms

UK 'not going to be involved' in 'protecting' Israel during Iran conflict, Israeli ambassador confirms

Abortion rights actvists gather outside the parliament in support of decriminalisation.

MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales in historic Commons vote

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is placed under arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents outside federal immigration court on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in New York.

New York mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested and detained by ICE amid Donald Trump's immigration crackdown

Trump not planning to attack Iran, Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Trump 'not planning to attack Iran', Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Dame Katherine Grainger

Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger and former Cabinet Secretary Simon Case given peerages

Matheus Cunha signs his Manchester United contract

When does the summer 2025 transfer window open and close?

Iranian soldiers in Tehran. The country has one of the strongest armies in the Middle East

Does Iran have nuclear weapons and what is its military capability?

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer.

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer providing 'lifeline' to domestic abuse survivors

Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis (left) leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.

Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder