DRDO’s Anti-Satellite Missile Test (ASAT) : Top 10 Facts You Should Know

India successfully conducted an Anti- Satellite Missile Test, named as Mission Shakti, in which an Anti- Satellite missile system (ASAT) was shot down the Low Earth Orbit satellite within three minutes of launch. The mission was conducted by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on March 27, 2019 from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.

Significance of the Anti-Satellite Missile Test by India

The Anti – Satellite Missile system used to test by DRDO on a low- orbit Indian satellite was fully developed in the country. This was developed at the Defense Research and Development Laboratory in Telangana.

The successful space mission has made India a “space superpower”. Further, India is the fourth country to own sophisticated modern capability following the US, Russia and China.

Facts about Anti-Satellite Missile Test- Mission Shakti

1. Anti – Satellite Missile Test (ASAT)

An anti-Satellite missile shot down the Low Earth Orbit satellite within three minutes launch of Mission Shakti.

2. India’s existing satellite was used

One of the nation’s existing satellite was used for the mission. When the satellite was destroyed, it was in orbit at 300 kilometers.

3. Entrance of India into elite group of nations with advanced capabilities

With the successful launch of ASAT, India entered into the exclusive group of nations who have the capabilities to launch sophisticated missiles. Following the US, Russia and China, India is the fourth country to test the Anti- Satellite Missile successfully.

4. Indigenous nature of Mission Shakti

The whole work on Mission Shakti is carried out in India and it was done by Defense Research and Development Organization. The country has successfully demonstrated its capacity to prohibit and cut-off a satellite in outer space which is completely based on Indian technology.

5. The use of Ballistic Missile Defense interceptor

For the Anti- satellite missile test, the DRDO used Ballistic Missile interceptor, which is a part of the ongoing ballistic missile defense program.

Also read: MTCR and its significance to India for Various reasons

6. Conduction of the test in the lower atmosphere

To ensure that there is no space debris, the anti- satellite mission test was carried out in the lower atmosphere. The space debris that is generated from the missile test will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.

7. The test is not directed against any nation

The anti – satellite test carried out by India is test that enables the country’s capability to shoot down low orbit satellites. However, the test is not aimed at any country.

8. A highly complex and remarkable test

The anti- satellite test, Mission Shakti , shows the outstanding performance of Indian scientists and success of Indian space projects. Further, the test was carried out at extremely high speed and precision which makes it a highly complex test.

9. A benchmark towards India’s safety and technological advancement

The anti- satellite test strengthened the country’s space programs. In addition to this, it is another big step towards India’s safety, economic development and technological advancement.

Also read :8 Interesting facts about ISRO’s PSLV C 37 launch.

10. Deterrence against threats

The capability achieved through Mission Shakti will act as a credible deterrent against threats from long range missiles to India’s growing space based assets. This will further curb the proliferation of missiles in type and numbers.