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India has created history. An announcement made by PM Narendra Modi a short while ago states that India has registered its name amongst countries with Space Power. Until now, America, Russia and China were the only countries who had this designation.
“In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today. India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of Mission Shakti,” says Narendra Modi.
The honorable prime minister announced that just a short while ago, Indian DRDO researchers and scientists shot down a pre-determined live satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) via the anti-satellite in the Mission Shakti. The mission was successfully conducted in matter of just three minutes. The satellite that was most likely shot down was Microsat-R or Microsat-TD launched by ISRO, suggest reports.
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“MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons: (1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability. (2) Entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony,” said PM Narendra Modi, while thanking and taking pride in the feat achieved by (Defence Research and Development Organisation) DRDO scientists and researchers.
What is an Anti-satellite or ASAT Missile?
Anti-satellite or ASAT missiles are space weapons designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites for strategic military purposes. What is noteworthy is the fact that ASAT has never been used so far in any warfare. This milestone is more of a feather in the cap for India, and PM Narendra Modi has emphasized that technology will always be used for benefit of people and India will remain a peace loving country.
Only, United States of America, Russia, China, and India have demonstrated this capability successfully, with India being the latest entrant to this exclusive club, says Wikipedia.
Some of the ASAT missiles were tested by China, USA and Russia in the years 2007 (SC-19 ASAT missile), 2008 (RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 ABM), and 2015 (PL-19 Nudol), respectively. “MissionShakti was a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision. It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme,” said PM Narendra Modi.