IN AN ERA WHERE THE FRONTIER OF SPACE EXPLORATION transcends scientific boundaries, nations worldwide are grappling with the complexities of space militarisation. India, home to a rapidly evolving space programme, finds itself at a critical juncture, seeking to harness space technology for national security while ensuring peaceful exploration and cooperation. As a nation with diverse security concerns, looking at space militarisation is a strategic imperative. Securing its vast borders, maintaining effective communication, and monitoring potential threats necessitates reinforcing space capabilities. The Kargil conflict in 1999, where access to GPS data was denied, exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on foreign-controlled systems. India responded by stepping up efforts to develop an indigenous navigation system - Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) - ensuring unfettered access to crucial space-based services.
In March 2019, India accomplished an extraordinary feat with Mission Shakti, becoming only the fourth country to test an anti-satellite (A-SAT) weapon system. The successful interception of a live satellite demonstrated India’s ability to neutralise potential threats in space. While the test faced international scrutiny due to space debris concerns, it underscored India’s strategic intent to protect its space assets and deter potential adversaries.
Recognising the significance of space situational awareness (SSA), ISRO launched Project NETRA in September 2019. This ambitious project aims to monitor, track, and analyse space objects to protect Indian satellites from collisions and potential hostile actions. By developing an indigenous SSA capability, India enhances its understanding of space dynamics and ensures uninterrupted access to critical space assets.
This story is from the Issue 10, 2023 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 10, 2023 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SUSTAINABILITY-A BIG MILESTONE
A steely-eyed focus on sustainability is fundamentally altering the way the airline industry operates. But the pace of progress in both SAF and engine enhancement must be greatly accelerated to make net zero a reality
A GROWING & EXPANDING SECTOR
While the space sector is on an upward trajectory with the Indian Space Policy, FDI liberalisation and the recent authorisation guidelines, the success of these initiatives hinges on a clear legal and regulatory framework to support the industry.
AUGMENTING THE HELICOPTER FLEET
From Ukraine's frontlines to India's skies, a journey through Helicopter warfare and future strategies
C-390 MILLENNIUM EXPANDING FOOTPRINTS
This versatile and cost-effective medium-sized Military Transport Aircraft is making inroads into new markets across borders
CYBER LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN INDIA-MILITARY CHALLENGES
The recent attacks on Indian institutions, including the military establishment, call for comprehensive cyber policies which back the many dimensions of national security. In a new scathing report on coordinated cyberattacks on India, researchers have uncovered a new espionage campaign targeting Indian government agencies. What is needed?
THE FUTURE OF AERIAL COMBAT
The battle skies of tomorrow will be shaped and decided by pioneering technologies in aerial warfare
PAKISTAN ORBITING BACK INTO SPACE EXPLORATION
In a first, Pakistan's satellite, iCUBE-Q, was launched on May 3, 2024 to orbit the moon as part of China's Chang'e-6 lunar mission
IAI LAUNCHES AEROSPACE SERVICES INDIA
Israel Aerospace Industries IAI) reiterates its 3-decades’ long commitment with the launch of AeroSpace Services India ASI) in New Delhi
REDEFINING COMFORT IN BUSINESS JETS
Leading Bizjet manufacturers are transforming business travel with the use of cutting-edge technologies to deliver the ultimate travel experience Top of Form
AÉROSPATIALE/BAC CONCORDE: RACING THE SUN
Concorde was the only commercial plane that could race the sun. If it departed London at 10 am local time, it reached New York before 10 am local time.