Harris says U.S. will no longer test anti-satellite missiles
AxiosNov 25, 2021
VP Harris: US Won't Conduct Anti-Satellite Missile Tests
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Image copyright: Getty Images [via Independent]
The Facts
In a speech held at the Vandenburg Space Force Base on Mon., VP Kamala Harris announced that the US will no longer conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite ("ASAT") missile tests.
This marks the US as the first nation to ban these tests amid concerns about the dangers of space debris.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The Biden administration's decision to impose a ban due to the dangers of space junk is hypocritical. Given that the US is the first country to have moved ahead and tested anti-satellite weapons, it shouldn't be trying to convince others not to do the same.
Pro-establishment narrative
There are unlimited risks associated with ASAT testing, and it's high time that a ban is implemented. Space debris could potentially damage space stations, could destroy dozens of satellites, and could pose a future risk to anything that might launch for years to come. Other countries should follow the US lead.
