The Vesta Blockade

Military action

One of the few confrontations of the Earth-Mars Cold War to lead to actual military engagement. The UN blockaded the asteroid Vesta, placing an embargo on Martian terraforming supplies. The blockade consisted of 5 UNN Destroyers, when an MCRN Cruiser flew too close to the blockade. While the details aren't clear on who fired first, suddenly PDCs and Missiles were being launched. A ceasefire was ordered within minutes, however the MCRN Cruiser was able to cripple all 5 UNN Destroyers before then. This lead to the deaths of approximately 80 UN soldiers, and 12 Martians. The technological superiority of the MCRN ships was on full display, and even though the UNN outnumbered the martian fleet approximately 8:1, this battle made it clear that another fight would have roughly even odds.