[Satellite TODAY 01-18-12] The United States will enter talks with the European Union (EU) to set informal rules aimed at limiting debris in space that threatens satellites, according to a Jan. 17 report.

   The Washington Post cited an unnamed U.S. Department of State official, who said that the talks would be announced soon.

   The EU has already published has its own draft rules for operating in space. According to the report, U.S. State Department Officials view that document as a starting point, but would like to make changes. The United States reportedly wants other countries involved, including Russia and China.

   U.S. concerns over space debris have intensified since China used a space weapon to destroy a disabled weather satellite in 2007. The test sent large amounts of debris into orbit.