Russia tested Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) Test

Highlights:

• Russia tested a direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile on 15 November.
• The DA-ASAT missile collided with the Russian spacecraft COSMOS 1408, resulting in a debris field in low-Earth orbit.
• So far, this test has produced around 1500 pieces of trackable orbital debris.
• In subsequent experiments, it will create hundreds of thousands of particles of smaller orbital debris.
• According to USSPACECOM's first estimate, the debris will linger in orbit for years. 
• As a result, the crew of the International Space Station is in grave danger.
• The trajectory of debris is constantly monitored by USSPACECOM. 
• It will ensure that all space-faring nations have access to the information they need to protect their on-orbit operations.
• The PL-19 Nudol, Russia's first direct ascent anti-satellite missile, was successfully test-fired on November 18, 2015.
• It is noted that , in May 2016, Russia tested the Nudol for the second time. 
• The "Plesetsk cosmodrome test launch site," located 805 kilometres north of Moscow, launched Nudol.