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Anti-satellite missiles (ASAT) are defensive weapons, meant to repel attacks launched with nuclear or space-based weapons. Countries that possess ASAT technology, including the U.S., India, and China, occasionally test their weapons by exploding their own satellites in space. The explosions produce thousands of pieces of orbital debris which remain in space, polluting the atmosphere and potentially harming people working on space stations. Some are calling for a ban on all ASAT testing, while others say the tests are a necessary part of a country’s military defense plan. Listen to learn about the consequences of Russia’s recent ASAT test and then debate: Should satellite missile testing be allowed?
Story Length: 2:58
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September 22, 2021
3:57
Pollution is everywhere, including outer space. A private company recently launched a satellite called ELSA-d on a demonstration mission for removing space junk. More than 9,000 tons of trash are currently orbiting the planet, which can put the International Space Station and other spacecraft in danger of being hit. Listen to hear what kind of trash is in space and learn how the space junk removal system works.
Read MoreJuly 20, 2020
3:33
Crew Dragon, a space capsule launched by the private company SpaceX, recently transported two American astronauts to the International Space Station. In this audio story, the astronauts reflect on their experiences in space and what it feels like to view Earth in the midst of a pandemic. Listen to hear the space travelers describe how space travel today is different from 50 years ago and explain why future space travel could be similar to scuba diving.
Read MoreMarch 24, 2020
4:23
The U.S. space program has big plans for 2020. Two private companies are preparing to send astronauts into space, which has not been done since 2011. A rover mission to Mars is planned, this time with a special instrument to pull oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. And hundreds of small satellites will be launched into orbit, providing global internet coverage. Listen to learn more about the space program’s ambitious goals and the challenges it faces.
Read MoreApril 24, 2017
3:49
During his trip to South Korea, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence warned North Korea against testing the “strength of the Armed Forces of the United States”. The warning came a day after a failed ballistic missile test in North Korea. Pence also described the U.S. alliance with South Korea as “ironclad” and “immutable”. Listen to learn more about how the Trump administration is taking a more aggressive stance against North Korea.
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