In recent years, the development and testing of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons have escalated, raising significant concerns about the security of space-based assets. These weapons are designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites, posing risks to both military and civilian infrastructure. For instance, in 2007, China conducted a successful ASAT missile test by destroying its own Fengyun-1C weather satellite, generating a substantial amount of space debris. Similarly, in 2022, Russia launched the Kosmos 2553 satellite, which U.S. officials linked to a program aimed at developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon capable of targeting multiple satellites in low Earth orbit. en.wikipedia.org
The proliferation of ASAT capabilities has prompted international discussions on establishing norms to prevent the weaponization of space. The United States and its allies have advocated for bans on direct ASAT tests and legislative measures to eliminate space debris. However, challenges persist in achieving consensus among nations, as evidenced by Russia's veto of a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at strengthening the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits placing nuclear weapons in space. jdsupra.com