Russia's anti-satellite missile is criticized because it allegedly endangered International Space Station's astronauts. However, the country denied the accusation, saying that its weapon did not put any people stationed outside the planet at risk.  

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However, the government officials confirmed that it used the missile to attack an old rocket. Moscow's Ministry of Defense announced that the satellite it destroyed was a dead Russian sat, which has been orbiting Earth since 1982. 

On the other hand, the government agency also explained that the recent space activity was needed to test its anti-satellite weapon. 

"The U.S. knows for certain that the resulting fragments, in terms of test time and orbital parameters, did not and will not pose a threat to orbital stations, spacecraft and space activities," said the defense ministry of Russia. 

Russia's Anti-Satellite Missile Didn't Endanger ISS Astronauts

According to NBC News, the United States condemned the Russian missile test and called it "dangerous and irresponsible."

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On the other hand, Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister Sergei of Russia, claimed that Washington's accusations are unreasonable, especially since it put Russia in a wrong position, saying that the missile test put the peaceful space activities at risk. 

Recently, we reported that the U.S. condemned Russia, claiming that the missile forced the International Space Station's astronauts to seek shelter because of the debris it created. 

Currently, Russia is not the only country conducting missile tests. Even the United States is also working on its hypersonic missiles.  

The U.S. Emphasizes Long-Term Dangers of Russia's Missile Test

CNN Politics reported that the United States Space Command believes Russia's recent missile activity could generate thousands of small orbital debris. 

The U.S. space agency also claimed that the DA-ASAT rocket test could have long-term dangers and potential global economic fallout, which could also affect other satellites that are providing internet connections across different countries. 

For more news updates about Russia's missile test and other similar space activities, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. 

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Written by: Griffin Davis