US slams Russia for 'irresponsible' space missile test that sparked debris

US rebukes Russia as "dangerous and irresponsible" for missile test to blow up one of its own satellites, which created a debris cloud which endangered the International Space Station's crew. — NASA/Roscosmos/Handout via REUTERS

The United States denounced Russia Monday for conducting a "dangerous and irresponsible" missile test that blew up one of its own satellites, creating a debris cloud that forced the International Space Station's crew to take evasive action.

"Earlier today, the Russian Federation recklessly conducted a destructive satellite test of a direct ascent anti-satellite missile against one of its own satellites," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said at a briefing.