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EX-0017.01
ST0004Execution
sub-technique

Direct Ascent ASAT

Parent: EX-0017

Description

A direct-ascent ASAT is often the most commonly thought of threat to space assets. It typically involves a medium- or long-range missile launching from the Earth to damage or destroy a satellite in orbit. This form of attack is often easily attributed due to the missile launch which can be easily detected. Due to the physical nature of the attacks, they are irreversible and provide the attacker with near real-time confirmation of success. Direct-ascent ASATs create orbital debris which can be harmful to other objects in orbit. Lower altitudes allow for more debris to burn up in the atmosphere, while attacks at higher altitudes result in more debris remaining in orbit, potentially damaging other spacecraft in orbit.* *https://aerospace.csis.org/aerospace101/counterspace-weapons-101

Mappings

EU regulation articles

  • eu-space-actArt. 86(3)
    addresses
    moderate
    direct

    Direct-ascent ASAT requires constellation-level redundancy as the only operator-side mitigation — within 86(3)'s redundancies and geographical-splitting framework.

ENISA controls

  • ENISA-STL-2025-03-sD.35-i01
    mitigates
    moderate

    Manoeuvre out of the predicted intercept trajectory is the canonical evasive tactic against direct-ascent ASATs.

  • ENISA-STL-2025-03-sD.35-i02
    mitigates
    high

    Defensive jamming/spoofing impairs guided-warhead sensors during direct-ascent terminal flight, increasing miss probability.

Cross-reference controls

SPARTA countermeasures

Cite as SafeMode Space, EX-0017.01 (SPARTA v3.2).

Built 2026-07-25 from 216 techniques, 334 regulation articles, 125 ENISA controls, 2,610 framework controls, and 90 countermeasures.