The ASAT test that destroyed the Solwind satellite occurred on which date?

The ASAT test that destroyed the Solwind satellite occurred on which date?

• A. September 13, 1985
• B. September 23, 1985
• C. November 13, 1983
• D. September 13, 1984

Answer: (A)

The event being tested is the date of the Solwind satellite’s destruction during a U.S. anti-satellite test. On September 13, 1985, an air-launched ASAT missile (ASM-135) destroyed the Solwind P78-1 satellite in low Earth orbit. This incident is notable because it demonstrated a kinetic way to take down a satellite and created debris that raised long-term space-safety considerations. The other dates don’t match the documented destruction date.

The event being tested is the date of the Solwind satellite’s destruction during a U.S. anti-satellite test. On September 13, 1985, an air-launched ASAT missile (ASM-135) destroyed the Solwind P78-1 satellite in low Earth orbit. This incident is notable because it demonstrated a kinetic way to take down a satellite and created debris that raised long-term space-safety considerations. The other dates don’t match the documented destruction date.