India shoots down low orbit satellite, becomes new super power in space after US, Russia, China

March 27, 2019

PM’s address to the Nation

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the nation today.

“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.

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.

Mission Shakti 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”, the Prime Minister said.

Detail note:

On March 27 today India conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam island based launch complex. This was a technological mission carried out by 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. The test required an extremely high degree of precision and technical capability.

The significance of the test is that India has tested and successfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology.

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

The satellite use was an Indian satellite.

The DRDO’s ballistic missile defense interceptor was used, which is part of ongoing ballistic missile defense programme.

This is a technology where we have developed capability. Space technologies are constantly evolving. We have used the technology that is appropriate to achieve the objectives set out in this mission.

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.

India has a long standing and rapidly growing space programme. It has expanded rapidly in the last five years. The Mangalayan Mission to Mars was successfully launched. Thereafter, the government has sanctioned the Gaganyan.

The tests were done after we had acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success, and reflects the intention of the government to enhance India’s national security. India has seen an accelerated space development programme since 2014.

India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space. We have always maintained that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. We are against the weaponization of Outer Space and support international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space based assets.

India believes that outer space is common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all.

India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to outer space. India already implements a number of transparency and confidence building measures.

India expects to lay a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation with proven space technology.

India is not in violation of any international law or treaty to which it is a party or any national obligation.

The test is not directed against any country. India’s space capabilities do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone.

At the same time the government is committed to ensuring the country’s national security interests and is alert to threats from emerging technologies. The capability achieved through the anti-satellite missile test provides credible deterrence against threats to our growing space-based assets from long range missiles, and proliferation in the types and numbers of missiles.

Ministry of Defense:

DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode. The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters.

Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives.The test has demonstrated the Nation’s capability to defend its assets in outer space.

With this India joins a select group of nations, which have such capability. The test has once again proven the capability of indigenous weapon systems.

Text of PM’s address to the nation in Hindi

Joint Press Conference by Arun Jaitley, Nirmala Sitharaman, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

DeshGujarat

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