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Congressional Research Service, "China's Anti-Satellite Weapon Test," April 23, 2007

This CRS report was written by Shirley Kan, specialist in National Security Policy.
April 23, 2007
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Summary
On January 11, 2007, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) conducted its first successful direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons test in destroying one of its own satellites in space.  The test raised international concerns about more space debris. Longer-term, the test raised questions about China’s capability and intention to attack U.S. satellites.  The purpose of this CRS Report, based on open sources and interviews, is to discuss that ASAT test by China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and issues about U.S. assessments and policies.  This report will not be updated.

Click here for a listing of reports released by the Congressional Research Service.

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