Calendar Icon
June 12, 2025
PDF File
Alternative Languages

U.S. Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet
Editors
Victoria Samson
U.S. Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
Authors
No items found.
Editors
Victoria Samson
Additional Links
Share on Social Media

This fact sheet traces the United States’ historical and latent capabilities related to direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) weapons. While the U.S. does not currently operate or acknowledge an active DA-ASAT system, it has conducted more than two dozen tests and retains substantial technological capability.

Key Historical Programs:
  • Nike Zeus / Project Mudflap / Program 437 (1960s):
    Nuclear-tipped interceptors launched from Kwajalein and Johnston Atoll demonstrated the feasibility of DA-ASAT attacks during the Cold War. Some tests passed within lethal proximity of rocket bodies and satellites in LEO and MEO.
  • ASM-135 (1980s):
    A dedicated air-launched DA-ASAT weapon fired from modified F-15s. On Sept. 13, 1985, it destroyed the Solwind P78-1 satellite at 555 km altitude, generating 285 pieces of debris. The program was canceled in 1988 despite multiple successful tracking and intercept tests.
  • Operation Burnt Frost (2008):
    A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launched from the USS Lake Erie intercepted USA-193 at 270 km, creating 175 debris objects. This remains the most recent U.S. kinetic ASAT test.
Modern Relevance:
  • SM-3 and GBI interceptors, originally for missile defense, have potential DA-ASAT applications. Their dual-use nature raises concerns over verification and escalation during crises.
  • The U.S. has no currently acknowledged operational DA-ASAT program, but retains full technical capacity to develop or repurpose systems rapidly if policy shifts.
Reference Content:
  • Page 3–4: Detailed table of known and suspected U.S. DA-ASAT tests, from 1959–2025, including dates, systems used, debris outcomes, and mission success.
  • Page 1–2: Historical development path, doctrinal rationale, and evolving strategic concerns
Space Sustainability
Space Situational Awareness
Counterspace Capabilities
Related Publications

Explore some of our related publications below.