The satellite was destroyed as part of a Russian test for a space missile. However, the blast created at least 1,500 new pieces of space junk that will take years to leave orbit.
Nasa issued an angry response to the test, which endangered the lives of those currently residing on the ISS including two Russian astronauts, Anton Nikolaevich and Petr Valerievich.
“Earlier today, due to the debris generated by the destructive Russian Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test, ISS astronauts and cosmonauts undertook emergency procedures for safety,” Nasa administrator Bill Nelson said.
“I’m outraged by this irresponsible and destabilising action. With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts. Their actions are reckless and dangerous, threatening as well the Chinese space station and the taikonauts on board.
“All nations...