What does everyone make of the Russian satellite Kosmos 2499 that was launched in May and first classified as space debris, but now thought to have a more sinister role?

Russia Tests Satellite 'Catcher'

I understand the satellite might be used in a number of ways, none of which are nefarious, but it could also be used to disable satellites. The Chinese also put a satellite up a few years ago, though it is thought to be merely for the experimentation of robotics in space, than have any sinister dimension...


Object 2014-28E – Space junk or Russian Satellite Killer?

Thoughts?

PM

Here we have the the headline of, Mysterious Russian satellite, Object 2014-28E, raises fears we may be on the edge of a space arms race..

I was just about to post a thread myself on this subject, but you beat me to it Peter. ;-)

Cheers.

Why would that be a bad thing?

"Space race" got the NASA the biggest budget % in all it's years...maybe, that's another birth of Space race & exploration...next stop: Moon, Mars & Asteroid belt... ;)

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non-profit org. Play4Life in Zagreb, Croatia, EU

The next big space race will start when China puts men on the moon with the intention of establishing a permanent base of operation.

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Bob DeWoody

My motto: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow as it may not be required. This no longer applies in light of current events.

The next big space race will start when China puts men on the moon with the intention of establishing a permanent base of operation.

Or when USA brings first asteroid in Moon orbit...and finds some special minerals there, worth exploring of the Space!
http://www.nasa.gov/content/what-is-nasa-s-asteroid-redirect-mission/
;)

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non-profit org. Play4Life in Zagreb, Croatia, EU

So far China has only put a Jade Rabbit on the Moon, which lasted 24 hours. Opportunity has been roving Mars for ten years and American astronauts have ridden jeeps on the Moon. Hic Rhodus hic salta. We Europe have landed on a comet.
Tullio

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Or when USA brings first asteroid in Moon orbit..

oh no only the Americans would try and run before they can walk ..

Gowd no what could go wrong , miss it's orbit and smash into the planet ...

then it would not be , need another seven astronaut's ,but need a new world

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Don't count out the Chineese they have our Tech , all our stuff is made there and they have the cash ,

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Yes, but the need experience and both Russia and America have paid it with the blood of their astronauts. I hope that China can avoid their mistakes, but the Jade Rubber fate makes me pessimist. Space is not a forgiving endeavor, like mountain climbing. One small mistake and you are dead.
Tullio

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There is no doubt in my mind that China will make the attempt sometime soon, hopefully with success. I think their mindset is one that would tolerate a certain degree of initial failures or setbacks.

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Bob DeWoody

My motto: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow as it may not be required. This no longer applies in light of current events.

I have watched Neil Armstrong putting his feet on the Moon. I was working for Mondadori Publishing House and the director of Epoca magazine asked me to translate the dialogue between Tranquility base and Houston. I translated 27 typewritten pages in 24 hours, dictating to three secretaries who alternated at the typewriter. I was rewarded with a cheque which allowed me to pay one third of a 128 Fiat car, my first car. So I am still emotionally linked to the Moon landing. But I could not translate Mandarin in Italian.
Tullio

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Yes, but the need experience and both Russia and America have paid it with the blood of their astronauts. I hope that China can avoid their mistakes, but the Jade Rubber fate makes me pessimist. Space is not a forgiving endeavor, like mountain climbing. One small mistake and you are dead.
Tullio

If not from Space, then from a Party when the comes alive home with a mission gone bad! :D :P

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non-profit org. Play4Life in Zagreb, Croatia, EU