// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Direct Ascent ASAT
A Direct Ascent ASAT is a weapon launched from the ground or air that flies on a direct, suborbital trajectory to intercept and destroy a satellite. It does not enter orbit itself, but rather travels in a high arc to collide with its target.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Direct Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) weapon is a counter-space capability utilizing a ground- or air-launched interceptor, often a kinetic kill vehicle (KKV) derived from ballistic missile technology, to destroy orbital assets, typically in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), via a suborbital trajectory and direct impact.
BACKGROUND
The ASM-135 ASAT is an air-launched anti-satellite multistage missile that was developed by Ling-Temco-Vought's LTV Aerospace division. The ASM-135 was carried exclusively by United States Air Force (USAF) F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft. The program was cancelled in 1988.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- DA-ASAT
- Direct-ascent interceptor
- Kinetic kill ASAT
- Hit-to-kill ASAT
- Suborbital ASAT
- Ground-based anti-satellite weapon
USAGE NOTE
The use of these systems is a significant military escalation, and successful tests are notorious for creating large, hazardous orbital debris fields.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Direct Ascent ASAT.
An American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate. Its subsidiary, Raytheon Missiles & Defense, produces the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), an interceptor which has demonstrated direct ascent anti-satellite capabilities in a 2008 test known as Operation Burnt Frost.
A Russian state-owned aerospace and defense company responsible for developing advanced air defense and missile systems, including the Nudol (PL-19) direct ascent anti-satellite missile system which has undergone multiple tests.
A major Chinese state-owned enterprise and the primary developer of China's missile systems. It is widely credited with developing the SC-19 missile used in China's successful 2007 anti-satellite test, which destroyed the Fengyun-1C satellite.
The primary research and development agency of the Indian Ministry of Defence. DRDO developed the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor missile used in 'Mission Shakti,' India's successful 2019 direct ascent ASAT test.
A research, development, and acquisition agency within the U.S. Department of Defense. The MDA develops layered defense systems against ballistic missiles, and its technologies, like the SM-3, have proven direct ascent ASAT capabilities.
A leading American aerospace, arms, and defense corporation. Lockheed Martin develops various missile defense systems, such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Aegis Combat System components, which possess technologies applicable to direct ascent intercepts.
An American multinational aerospace and defense technology company. They are a key contractor for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, whose interceptors have the velocity and altitude capabilities potentially suitable for direct ascent ASAT missions.
Russian Aerospace Forces
The aerospace branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This military organization is responsible for operating Russia's anti-satellite systems, including conducting tests of the Nudol direct-ascent ASAT missile.