Mission Shakti, India’s Anti-Satellite Missile test conducted on 27 March, 2019

Mission Shakti, India's Anti-Satellite Missile test conducted on 27 March, 2019

1.On March 27, 2019 India conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test.This was a technological mission carried out by Indian Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO). The satellite used in the mission was one of India's existing satellites operating in lower orbit. The test was fully successful and achieved all parameters as per plans.  

 2. The test is a technology demonstration of India's capabilities to defend its interests in outer space.  It may be noted that India has a long-standing indigenously developed space programme for its developmental goals and national security imperatives.  India has acquired capabilities in building and launching satellites, tracking and monitoring them and for multifaceted utilization of space data.  India has 47 satellites in space. The Indian Space Research Organization has more than 225 MoUs with 51 countries and five multilateral bodies and has launched 269 satellites for 33 countries.

3. With this test, India joins an exclusive group of space faring nations consisting of USA, Russia and China.

4.The test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. Whatever debris that is generated will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.

 5.The test was done to verify that India has the capability to safeguard our space assets. India has sizeable space assets which provide critical backbone for the country's economic and social infrastructure.  It is important for India to have capabilities to safeguard such assets. The test is not directed against any country. India's space capabilities do...