France’s First Space Military Exercise: AsterX

  • France has begun its first space military exercises to test its ability to defend its satellites.
  • In 2019, France had announced its Commandement de l’Espace (CdE) (French Space Command).
  • These space military exercises are the first ever attempt not only for the French army but also for Europe.
  • France also plans to develop anti-satellite laser weapons and to strengthen surveillance capabilities to close the gap with rivals; China and Russia.

 DETAILS

  • The exercise drills are codenamed "AsterX".
  • It is to commemorate the first French satellite Asterix from 1965.
  • The aim of the exercise is to monitor a potentially dangerous space object as well as threats to its own satellite from another foreign power possessing a considerable space force.
  • The new US Space Force and German space agencies are also taking part in the exercises.
  • IndSpaceEx: India’s first ever simulated space warfare exercise.

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