China 'launches' satellite destroyer in new space race as Pentagon claims rocket was highest for for

A Chinese high-altitude rocket launch this week was the first test of an interceptor that could destroy orbiting satellites, claims a U.S defense official. The launch, said by the Chinese to be a science mission, reached 6,250 miles (10,000km) above the Earth - the highest suborbital launch since 1976. No objects were placed into orbit, the Pentagon said yesterday. The rocket re-entered Earth's atmosphere above the Indian Ocean. More

(Source: Daily Mail - May 18)