India's Entry Into The Elite Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Club

March 27, 2019, marked a significant milestone in the history of Indian space science when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful testing of India’s first Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile.

- Vivek Gupta

The test was conducted under ‘Mission Shakti’ of the Government of India. Prime Minister Modi stated in his speech, “Mission Shakti is an important step towards securing India's safety, economic growth and technological advancement.” The interceptor was launched from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island in Chandipur, Odisha and hit its target, Microsat-R, a functioning Indian test satellite, at a height of 300 km in low-Earth orbit within three minutes. The missile system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a research wing of the Indian defence services.

What is ASAT

ASAT is a missile that can destroy or jam an enemy satellite in space. Since most of the communication networks are now satellite-based, this missile will add a much needed edge to India’s satellite armada. Until now, only USA, Russia, and China had operational ASAT systems. G. Satheesh Reddy, Chairman, DRDO, informed the media, “The ASAT missile uses a kinetic kill mechanism, which requires the weapon to directly hit the target to destroy it.”

How has ASAT increased India’s military strength