Nasa says India’s satellite destruction ‘a terrible thing’

Nasa has claimed the destruction of a satellite by India using a missile is “a terrible thing”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unexpected address to the nation last week, saying that India is now an "established space power" after launching an anti-satellite missile to take down an object in low-orbit.

Nasa chief, Jim Bridenstine, said that the risk of debris now colliding with the International Space Station had risen by 44% over 10 days due to the test.

The timing of the test has raised questions. With just over a week to go until national elections, the opposition accused Mr Modi of trying to score political points and take credit for the achievements of the country's space agency.