GS 3: Internal Security

Why in News?

A special interaction session was organized by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), here today to present first-hand account of the mission details, development milestones including technological aspects of Mission Shakti.

Highlights:

• DRDO presented the objectives, mission challenges and achievements of the Anti-Satellite Test (A-SAT).
• DRDO had successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite Missile Test (A-SAT) ‘Mission Shakti’ from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha on March 27, 2019 and made India join the select group of three nations (USA, Russia and China) possessing such capability.

Mission Shakti:

• Mission Shakti an anti-satellite weapon ASAT is successful by targeting a live satellite in a low earth orbit.
• It is an important step towards securing India’s safety, economic growth and technological advancement. No doubt ASAT weapon system will give a new strength to India’s space programme
• ASAT is anti-satellite weapon system that is designed to destroy or incapacitate satellites. Development of such type of weapon systems has a long history.
• Significance of the test is that India is successful in demonstrating its capability to intercept a satellite in the outer space that too based on complete indigenous technology.
• The satellite that was destroyed was Indian and DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used. India used the technology of Kinetic Kill to achieve the objectives that were set out in the mission.