India entered the squad of global space powers – U.S., China, and Russia as it initiated its Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile into space on 27th March, 2019. This weapon programme is a joint mission of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The A-SAT missile was shot down from the DRDO’s testing range campus situated in Balasore, Odisha.
As per the statement of the officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, “The experiment was performed in the lower atmosphere to make sure that there is left no residue of the space. If any kind of residue is produced, it will descend on to the earth after some time once decomposed.”
Let us penetrate into this A-SAT missile to know its uniqueness:
- With this introduction, India became the fourth country to launch this A-SAT missile. Previously, it was launched by three countries namely the U.S., China, and Russia. India has marked another milestone with its ever-growing expertise in space technology. The utilization of ASAT is considered as intersecting into new borders similar to 1998 nuclear tests conducted by India.
- This A-SAT is developed domestically adding it to India’s credentials. PM Modi congratulated the scientists on accomplishing this mission mentioning that the entire credit goes to them describing the mission as a highly complex one.
- This weapon targeted a low-earth orbit (LEO) placed 300 km high from the surface of the earth. Its capability lies in the fact that it can shot satellites at long ranges with an accuracy within a few centimeters. The LEO was crossing northbound above the Bay of Bengal when the A-SAT deflected it.
- As India is increasing its technological advancements, the satellite is being considered as the most powerful military tool helpful for the armed forces in the upcoming years. This advancement is expected to have various spin-offs which will be deployed for domestic and international purpose.
- This production of this missile has been lauded towards the growth in the country’s space defense forces after strategic growth in land, air or sea fighting weapons.
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Need for A-SAT Missile
India has been refused to be provided with such kinds of foreign technology under missile control and nuclear authorities for decades. This refusal forced our country to come up with a strong defensive weapon emanating the power of our ability and strength. In a rare televised address, PM Narendra Modi announced this achievement of DRDO and ISRO to the entire nation. Accomplishing this mission by the scientists have made all of us proud. India has truly strengthened its space powers with this technological development of Mission Shakti.
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