Russia conducts space-based anti-satellite weapons test

July 27, 2020 — SpaceWar.com reports: “U.S. Space Command has evidence that Russia conducted a non-destructive test of a space-based anti-satellite weapon. On July 15, Russia injected a new object into orbit from Cosmos 2543, currently Satellite Catalog Number 45915 in Space-Track.org.

Russia released this object in proximity to another Russian satellite, which is similar to on-orbit activity conducted by Russia in 2017, and inconsistent with the system’s stated mission as an inspector satellite. Tracking information can be found on Space-Track.org.

‘The Russian satellite system used to conduct this on-orbit weapons test is the same satellite system that we raised concerns about earlier this year, when Russia maneuvered near a U.S. government satellite,’ said Gen. John W. ‘Jay’ Raymond, Commander of U.S. Space Command and U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations. ‘This is further evidence of Russia’s continuing efforts to develop and test space-based systems, and consistent with the Kremlin’s published military doctrine to employ weapons that hold U.S. and allied space assets at risk.’

The U.S. State Department raised concerns in 2018, and again this year, that Russian satellite behaviors were inconsistent with their stated mission and that these satellites displayed characteristics of a space-based weapon. According to the Department of State, this behavior is hypocritical and concerning…”  (“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” – Luke 21:25 – 27. See the next report.)

France steps up space spending to gird for ‘unfriendly’ moves

July 27, 2020 — SpaceWar.com reports: “France will increase spending on its new Space Force programme by several hundreds of millions of euros as it prepares for potential ‘unfriendly manoeuvres’ among world powers, Defence Minister Florence Parly said Friday.

‘We’re gone from a concept of space as a ‘common good’ in the service of science, to a space where countries are struggling for global supremacy,’ Parly told the Provence newspaper of Marseille.

The new Air and Space Force, which Parly will officialise during a visit to France’s military flight training school at Salon-en-Provence, will have a staff of 500 by 2025, she said.

Investments in the programme will reach 4.3 billion euros ($5 billion) over the 2019-2025 budget period, up from the 3.6 billion euros originally planned.

‘In no way are we engaging in an arms race,’ Parly said, reiterating a stance announced when President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the new space initiative last year…”