New SWF Fact Sheet on China's Recent Anti-satellite Testing in Space

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

During the Cold War, the United States and Russia conducted dozens of ASAT systems tests in space, a handful of which created long-lived orbital debris. Over the last several years, China has conducted a series of tests in space of their own ASAT systems. While at least three of these tests included the destruction of a target, only one, conducted in January 2007, resulted in the creation of long-lived orbital debris.

Secure World Foundation has released a new fact sheet that collates what is known and what is theorized about China’s ASAT testing in space. The fact sheet suggests that China is conducting a multi-year testing program similar to those previously conducted by the United States and Russia to develop at least one, and possibly two, ASAT weapon systems of their own.

The fact sheet can be viewed here. Questions or comments can be directed at the primary author of the fact sheet, SWF Technical Advisor Brian Weeden.