Successful test for prototype kinetic-energy ASATkill vehicle

The US Army successfully tested a prototype kinetic-energy anti-satellite (KE ASAT) kill vehicle (KKV) at Edwards AFB, California on 12 August .

In the hover test, the 43kg (94lb) device designed to destroy satellites by impact performed autonomous powered flight, and its electro-optical (EO) sensor locked onto a simulated moving target (a distant light source) and maintained a precise position, says the US Army.

The KKV is the front-end component of the KE-ASAT interceptor designed to knock out surveillance and communications spacecraft operating in low-earth orbit. A refurbished rocket booster would launch the KKV. Candidate rockets include the STARS booster and the retired Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile.

Source: Flight International