ASAT SYSTEMS INDIA'S REQUIREMENTS

While satellites are an important aspect of the application of space technology to military needs, it is also important to recognise the increasing possibility of the deployment of anti-satellite weapons and possibly space-based weapons in the medium to long-term future. SANJAY BADRI MAHARAJ spells out India’s ASAT journey

- SANJAY BADRI MAHARAJ

On March 29, 2019, India successfully intercepted a satellite in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 300 km. This intercept, using the Microsat-R as a target, established a capability that had previously been only theoretical.

This system – designated the PDV Mk.2 – draws heavily from the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence System in respect of its exo-atmospheric interceptor (the PDV) and as such we must factor in the capability conferred by the BMD system as it has evolved.

Current ASAT systems are reliant on kinetic energy weapons in the form of ground-based/ ship-based missiles often derived from BMD systems. In addition, the United States and Russia have tested air-launched kinetic weapons from versions of their manned interceptors. However, increasingly new technologies, such as directed energy weapons or even electromagnetic weapons are being tested and these will have implications for future ASAT systems. In addition, Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems may be used to disable satellites. Moreover, some tests are being conducted using other satellites to destroy or disable other satellites with DEW systems being considered for such employment.

Military Use of Space

The use of satellites for military purposes began in 1958 when the United States launched the communications satellite SCORE which transmitted a pre-recorded message from space. Since then, more than 2000 military satellites, the first of which were experimental and others later operational, have been launched by the USA and USSR, and its successor states.

As of 2016, the United States has the largest fleet of satellites in orbit with 589, followed by China with 181 and Russia with 141. India currently stands in seventh place with some 42 satellites in orbit. While the numbers of satellites may be of importance in and of themselves, the challenge of making effective use of the data obtained therefrom by the military is critical.