Space Weapons Test could impact GPS

A space weapons test by China produced a significant amount of orbital space debris that may damage satellites in orbit, including those that provide positioning information.

The Chinese test, carried out on Jan. 11, was at once complex and very simple. The missile hit the satellite with deadly precision. The missile carried no bomb because it didn't need one. The satellite was pulverized by the impact. As of today, Kelso reports that American radar is tracking at least 525 pieces of debris from the collision -- each at least the size of a baseball. There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller ones. The pieces are gradually spreading out in a ring around the Earth, creating a vast area where spacecraft face increased danger of being hit. "We've already seen in the range of 500 to 600 events where some piece of debris from this one event was coming within 5 kilometers of some payload," said Kelso.