Key Points on Russia’s Denial of US Claims
- The United States observed the launch of a Soyuz rocket from Russia’s Plesetsk launch site.
- Russia’s top arms control diplomat dismissed US assertions of launching a weapon into Earth orbit capable of attacking satellites.
- The Kremlin denies US claims of developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon.
- US Space Command reported Russia’s launch of an anti-satellite weapon.
Russia’s Response to US Allegations
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov refuted US claims, stating, “Our policy does not change from this.” He emphasized Russia’s opposition to strike weapons in low-Earth orbit.
Details of the Launch
- Russia’s defense ministry confirmed the launch of a spacecraft from Plesetsk but did not disclose its purpose.
- US Space Command identified the launch as a likely counterspace weapon capable of targeting satellites in low Earth orbit.
US Concerns and Observations
US officials expressed concerns over COSMOS 2576, a Russian military “inspector” spacecraft, known for its reckless space behavior. The satellite was observed in the same orbital ring as USA 314, a large NRO satellite.
Russia’s Space Programme
Ryabkov affirmed that Russia’s space programme is progressing as planned to enhance defense capabilities. He criticized the US for disregarding Russian proposals to strengthen space security.