DUAL USE DOMAIN

Going ahead, space for defence in terms of technology is as crucial as is defence of space in terms of security and strategies

-  AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

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.