Russia admits to anti-satellite missile test but denies ?dangerous behavior?

Russia has admitted to destroying one of its satellites during a missile test but rejected US accusations that it had endangered the International Space Station.

The move reignited concerns about an escalating arms race in space, encompassing everything from laser weapons to satellites capable of shunting others out of orbit.

When the gravity of the situation became clear on Monday, the astronauts aboard the ISS - four Americans, one German, and two Russians - were ordered to immediately seek shelter in their docked capsules.

A dramatic recording captured the moment astronauts put on their spacesuits before scrambling to a re-entry craft after the anti-satellite missile test sent a cloud of more than 1,500 pieces of debris flying through space.

The Russian military said it was carrying out planned activities to fortify its defense capabilities but has denied that the test was dangerous.