The destruction by India of one of its satellites using an anti - satellite missile created at least 270 pieces of potentially dangerous “ " junk ” . Even the smallest piece of debris travelling at great speeds can put a satellite out of action. The Indian Air Force , which is monitoring the objects , said the amount of junk could vary . The test was “ strictly speaking ” a violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty , according to Frans von der Dunk of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln . However , the anti - satellite test was not technically illegal , as there is no binding international rule about creating space debris , he added . =
The destruction by India of one of its satellites using an anti - satellite missile created at least 270 pieces of potentially dangerous “ " junk ” . The Indian Air Force , which is monitoring the objects , said the amount of junk could vary . The test was “ strictly speaking ” a violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty , according to Frans von der Dunk of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln . However , the anti - satellite test was not technically illegal , as there is no binding international rule about creating space debris , he added . =