👉 Challenged missiles, often referred to as anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, are a class of missile systems designed to target and destroy satellites in orbit around Earth. The primary challenge with these missiles lies in their development, deployment, and potential use, which have sparked international concern and debate. These systems can be launched from various platforms, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and even submarine-launched missiles, making them difficult to detect and intercept. The use of such weapons poses significant risks to global space infrastructure, as satellites play a crucial role in communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and military operations. Moreover, the testing of these missiles, such as China's 2007 anti-satellite test, has raised fears about the militarization of space and the potential for an arms race in outer space. The international community is grappling with how to regulate and mitigate the dangers posed by these weapons, given their dual-use nature and the strategic implications they carry.
