British astronaut has condemned Russia’s reckless destruction of one of their satellites. This caused a tsunami of debris to hit the International Space Station.
Major Tim Peake was previously confined to the ISS for six months. He said the fragments of steel from the explosion could cause a catastrophic event’ that could lead to the death or serious injury of people.
Russia sent a space missile to destroy an redundant satellite last month in frightening displays of intent. The Kremlin seemed to be sending a signal that it can destroy Western satellites as well.
On November 15, the Nudol antisatellite missile was launched from an Aerodrome in Northwest Russsia and struck the Kosmos-1408 satellite.
It sent space debris flying towards the ISS and astronauts were forced to immediately take rescue measures. NASA’s planned activities in space were also cancelled while the debris storm passed, so astronauts had to wait for it.
Major Tim Peake (pictured), a former six-month ISS occupant, stated that fragments from an explosion could have a ‘catastrophic effect’ on lives and put people at risk.
Major Peake was the British astronaut who walked in space. He gave evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee. Major Peake said that he was shocked at the Russian anti-satellite testing, and in particular by the recklessness of placing so much debris in a low orbit, where it would have an impact on Earth for many years.
“Space is increasingly contested, and Russia’s actions were against existing space treaties. The space environment is critical to our national infrastructure. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and must be protected. To ensure that space is being used in a responsible manner, it will take a lot diplomatic effort.
“Hundreds of thousands of tiny pieces of debris travel extremely quickly, and the higher the chance of an impact that can be devastating, Space militarisation is causing friction. Russia also prefers to engage with China [rather than the West]In its space programs.
Major Peake stated that the Russian missile test proved the 1967 International Outer Space Treaty, which was meant to stop the proliferation of debris, was not fit for purpose.
Major Peake left the British Army in order to join the European Space Agency. He said that he will likely return to space between 2024 and 2025.
The Russian missile test proved that the 1967 International Outer Space Treaty, which was meant to stop the proliferation of debris, was not fit for its purpose.
He also demanded the nomination of a UK space minister with a Cabinet seat to co-ordinate and lead the Government’s efforts in Whitehall.
Major Peake explained that this message would go to academia, industry, the scientific community and to scientists. It would also be very clear when international partners are involved in collaborations such as at the Council of Ministers for European Space Agency for a minister from the UK to attend.