Russia hits back at US accusations that it put astronauts at risk with ‘reckless’ missile trial
Russia has hit back at US accusations that it put astronauts at risk with its “reckless” anti-satellite missile trial, which saw crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) shelter from orbiting debris.
Crew were directed to close some hatches to keep safe.
Roscosmos, Russia’s state space agency, said that it was monitoring the debris situation to “to prevent and counter all possible threats to the safety of the ISS and its crew”.
Russia added that the safety of astronauts “has always been, and remains, our top priority”.
“We are convinced that only joint efforts by all spacefaring nations can ensure the safest possible coexistence and activities in outer space.”
US secretary of state Antony Blinken said yesterday that Russia had “recklessly conducted a destructive test of a direct-ascent anti-satellite missile against one of its own satellites”.
Blinken added that the US is looking to work with its allies to respond to the issue, as the move “clearly demonstrate that Russia, despite its claims of opposing the weaponisation of outer space, is willing to jeopardise the long-term sustainability of outer space and imperil the exploration and use of outer space by all nations through its reckless and irresponsible behaviour”.
Nasa, the US’ space agency, also condemned Russia’s trial, with its administrator Bill Nelson saying that it will also be monitoring the debris in the coming days.
Nelson added that it “is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American
and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own
cosmonauts.
“Their actions are reckless and dangerous,” Nelson said.