June 12, 2025
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U.S. Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing Fact Sheet
Editors
Victoria Samson
Space Sustainability
Space Situational Awareness
Counterspace Capabilities
U.S. Direct Ascent Anti-satellite Testing Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
Editors
Victoria Samson
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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
