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Mission Shakti- Anti-satellite missile test
Why is it in news?
- In an incremental advance, India successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test, named Mission Shakti.
- India becomes the 4th country in the world to demonstrate the capability to shoot down satellites in orbit.
- So far, only the United States, Russia and China have this prowess.
More in news
Source-The Hindu
- Aim of test: Mr. Modi said the aim of the test was to maintain peace, rather than war mongering.
- Satellite targeted:(1) The satellite downed by the ASAT missile was Microsat-R, an imaging satellite in LEO which was launched into orbit on January 24, 2019 using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).(2) LEO of 300 km was chosen to “minimise” debris and it also won’t last more than a few months.
- ASAT missiles:(1) India has built the broad capabilities and building blocks to develop ASAT missiles for some time as part of its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme.(2) Anti-satellite weapons provide the capability to shoot down enemy satellites in orbit thereby disrupting critical communications and surveillance capabilities.(3) ASAT missiles also act as a space deterrent in dissuading adversaries from targeting the country’s satellite network.
Source
The Hindu