There is more on the story here
http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/...china/asat.htm
looks like the chinese are rather partial at firing/testing thier laser
systems on satelites too. Trying to take out optical sensors, well
I suppose if someone is flying their eyes in the sky over you then
it's fair game. Lasers are good at doing that. I remember years ago
an idiot from one of the TV channels thought it would be a great
idea to film our lasers we had install at Sydney Mardi Gra. Completely
thrashed the chip in his $200k camera.
btw, they are great on speed and red light camera too
regards,CS
regards