US Concerns Over 'Very Abnormal' Russian Satellite Activity

A US State Department official says there are "serious concerns" about Russia's activities in space. (Image: NASA via US Department of Defense).

There are concerns in the United States after a State Department official highlighted "disturbing" and "very abnormal" behaviour by Russian satellite activity in outer space.

Assistant State Department Secretary Yaleem Poblete said at the UN’s Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday that they "don’t know for certain what it is and there is no way to verify it."

According to Poblete, it is not possible to confirm whether the object is a weapon, but she did call Russia’s interest in counter space technology "disturbing".

A Russian delegate in attendance during the speech dismissed the comments as unfounded.

Poblete added that: "The only certainty we have is that this system has been “placed in orbit," she said.

"The rest of its demonstrated behaviour is unexpected and unclear to us."

"The United States has serious concerns about the activities of the Russian government in developing anti-satellite weapons."

In response to Dr Poblete's concerns, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:

"There are a range of threats and hazards to all space capabilities in what is an increasingly contested domain.

"These include the development of counterspace weapons by a number of nations.

"The UK is working closely with international allies, including the US, to re-enforce responsible and safe behaviours in space and to build knowledge, understanding and resilience."

In June, Us President Donald Trump ordered the creation of a US Space Force, which he said would be the sixth branch of the armed forces.

Earlier this year, the first Defence Space Strategy was announced at the Defence Space Conference, outlining the UK's plans regarding threats to space services, including interference satellite navigation to support military capabilities.