Russia Rejects Accusations of Endangering ISS Astronauts

Russia Rejects Accusations of Endangering ISS Astronauts
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule approaches the International Space Station for docking, on April 24, 2021. NASA via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

MOSCOW—Russian officials on Tuesday rejected accusations that they endangered astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) by conducting a weapons test that created more than 1,500 pieces of space junk.

U.S. officials on Monday accused Russia of destroying an old satellite with a missile in what they called a reckless and irresponsible strike. They said the debris could damage the space station, an assessment backed by NATO’s chief.