F-15 Launched ASAT Credit - USAF

The ASAT (Air-Launched Anti-Satellite Missile) was designed and developed by Vought in response to a 1977 Air Force requirement for a small air-launched missile that was capable of intercepting and destroying enemy satellites in low earth orbit. The missile consists of a modified Short Range Attack Missile (SRAM) first stage, a Thiokol Altair III second stage, and a Vought miniature homing vehicle (MHV). The ASAT was launched from an F-15 aircraft in a steep climb.

At high altitudes, this gave the ASAT's rocket a useful initial velocity to allow it to reach its target in orbit. After the first stage separated, the second stage propelled the MHV into space on a collision course with the target. The MHV destroyed the target by ramming it at high speed.

Initial flight tests began in 1983. The first successful test interception and destruction of a satellite in space by the United States occurred on September 13, 1985.

Length: 5.42 m (17.78 ft). Basic Diameter: 0.51 m (1.67 ft). Mass: 1,180 kg (2,600 lb).

• 1985 September 13 - First US ASAT intercept -

  The ASAT (Air-Launched Anti-Satellite Missile) was designed and developed by Vought in response to a 1977 Air Force requirement for a small air-launched missile that was capable of intercepting and destroying enemy satellites in low earth orbit. The missile consists of a modified Short Range Attack Missile (SRAM) first stage, a Thiokol Altair III second stage, and a Vought miniature homing vehicle (MHV). The ASAT was launched from an F-15 aircraft in a steep climb. At high altitudes, this gave the ASAT's rocket a useful initial velocity to allow it to reach its target in orbit. After the first stage separated, the second stage propelled the MHV into space on a collision course with the target. The MHV destroyed the target by ramming it at high speed.

• Federation of American Scientists Web Site, . Accessed at: http://www.fas.org/.