Secure World Foundation (SWF) has released updated versions of eleven fact sheets related to counterspace capabilities that cover ASAT testing in space, RPOs conducted in Earth orbit, and the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. Together, these activities have generated concerns from many countries about the increasingly contested nature of space. The SWF fact sheets provide updated factual information on the current status of these capabilities and assessments of their impact on space security and sustainability.
The continued proliferation counterspace capabilities and resurgence of anti-satellite (ASAT) testing in space and growth in robotic rendezvous and proximity operations (RPOs) conducted for military and intelligence purposes have generated concerns from many countries about the increasingly contested nature of space. While many RPO activities are not directly aggressive or destructive themselves, they can lead to misconceptions or heightened tensions that could negatively impact space security and stability. Additionally, destructive ASAT tests have created thousands of pieces of orbital debris over the last several decades, which can pose long-term risks to all space activities.
Today, the Secure World Foundation has released the 2022 edition of multiple fact sheets documenting these activities, based on research conducted as part of the annual SWF Global Counterspace Capabilities Report. The first set of fact sheets cover testing of ASAT weapons in space by the following countries as summarized in this public spreadsheet:
- Chinese Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing
- Indian Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing
- Russian Co-orbital Anti-satellite Testing
- Russian Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing
- U.S. Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing
- U.S. Co-orbital Anti-satellite Testing
Each fact sheet summarizes the history of that country’s programs in those areas, provides a table listing known tests of those programs in space (including any intercepts and orbital debris created), and a short analysis of the current state of development or operational status.
More details and links to all the fact sheets can be found here:
https://swfound.org/counterspace-fact-sheets-2023
The fact sheets are related to our annual Global Counterspace Capabilities report, which you can find here in multiple languages and formats: https://swfound.org/counterspace
For more information, please contact Dr. Brian Weeden or Ms. Victoria Samson.
