US plays down NASA's criticism of India over space debris

The US has downplayed NASA's criticism of India over space debris created by the country's anti-satellite missile test, saying two nations would continue to pursue shared interests in space that includes collaboration on safety and security in space.

State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino's remarks came a day after National Aeronautics and Space Administration termed as a "terrible thing" India's shooting down of one of its satellites that has created about 400 pieces of orbital debris.

"The issue of space debris, that is an important concern for the United States, and I would say that we took note of the Indian Government's statements that the test was designed to address space debris issues," Palladino said.

"I think we spoke a little bit about this last week. But as we've said previously, we have a strong strategic partnership with India, and we will continue to pursue shared interests in space, in scientific and technical cooperation with India, and that includes collaboration on safety and security in space," he said.

Last week, India carried out Mission Shakti, in which it successfully targeted a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed its success as "an unprecedented achievement" that makes India "a space power."
"Some 60 pieces of orbital debris have been tracked so far, 24 out of which poses risk to the International Space Station," he said.'