The United States has accused Russia of deploying a space weapon into low-Earth orbit, yet Russian officials have dismissed the allegation as “fake news” amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding space weaponry.
During a news briefing on Tuesday, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder asserted that the space weapon has the capability to target other satellites. This echoes earlier statements by the U.S. ambassador to the UN, who claimed on Monday that Russia had launched an anti-satellite weapon.
Ryder stated, “Russia launched a satellite into low Earth orbit that we assess is likely a counter space weapon, presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit.” He further noted that the weapon was placed into the “same orbit” as a U.S. government satellite.
The United States is closely monitoring the situation and remains prepared to safeguard the “space domain,” according to Ryder. Allegedly, the satellite weapon was launched on May 16 via a Soyuz rocket from Russia’s Plesetsk launch site.