The Indian Space Research and Development Organisation recently conducted testing of its Anti-Satellite System (A-SAT) on Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Island, previously known as Wheeler Island, situated off the coast of Odisha. This initiative, referred to as Mission Shakti, resulted in a successful obliteration of a live satellite located in the Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 300 km, making India the fourth country capable of such a feat after the U.S., Russia, and China.
Understanding the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) System
The ASAT system is a missile-based technology specifically designed to target and destroy moving satellites. It is categorized into two types, namely, those launched from the ground and those launched from aircraft. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) proudly developed this technology entirely within India.
Significance of the ASAT System
The significance of the ASAT system cannot be overstated. In our technologically advanced world, numerous crucial applications rely on satellite technology. Such applications include navigation systems, communication networks, broadcasting, banking systems, stock exchanges, weather forecasting, disaster management, land and sea mapping tools, and military applications. By destroying a satellite, these critical systems can be rendered useless. This capability serves to enhance India’s ability to protect its space assets and overall security without causing any threat to human lives.
International Reaction Towards ASAT Test
Following the test, various international responses emerged. China stated its hope that all countries would strive to maintain peace and tranquility in outer space. Pakistan highlighted that space is mankind’s shared heritage and every nation has the responsibility to avoid any actions that could lead to its militarization. Meanwhile, the US confirmed its commitment to continuing shared interests in space and scientific and technical cooperation with India, including collaboration on safety and security in space. However, the US also expressed concern regarding the issue of space debris.
India’s Stand on Space Weaponization
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| India’s Position | India is against the weaponization of Outer Space and supports international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space-based assets. It maintains that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. |
| UN Outer Space Treaty 1967 | This treaty only prohibits weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons. India ratified it in 1982. |
| UN Transparency and Confidence Building Measures (TCBMs) | Includes registering space objects with the UN register, pre-launch notifications, etc. India adheres to these agreements and shares this information with the UN. |
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
The LEO is an Earth-centered orbit with an altitude of 2,000 km or less. Most manmade objects in space are found in this orbit. India partakes in the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) activities related to the management of man-made and natural debris in this space. Activities include SOPA (Space Object Proximity Awareness) and COLA (Collision Avoidance) Analysis. As a further measure towards peaceful use of space, India has supported the UN resolution on the ‘No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space.’
