India successfully conducts anti-satellite missile test

Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO, on Wednesday successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile test, under Mission Shakti from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.

A DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile, Defence Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a Hit to Kill mode.

An official release said, the interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives.

In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite on a Low Earth Orbit.

Mr Modi said, an Anti-Satellite Missile (A-SAT) destroyed the live satellite within three minutes. He said, with this, India has registered herself as a space power and till now only the US, Russia and China have achieved this.

Congratulating all DRDO scientists for achieving this unparallel feat, Mr Modi said, today’s Mission Shakti is aimed at strengthening India’s overall security.

He assured the international community that India’s capability will not be used against anyone but is purely a defence initiative for its security.

Speaking to the scientists via video conference, the Prime Minister said, the entire nation is proud of them for achieving the feat.

He said, in line with the “Make in India” initiative, the scientists have given a message to the world that we are less than none.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu have congratulated Indian space scientists for Mission Shakti. Mr Kovind said, Mission Shakti represents a watershed moment for the country.

Vice President Naidu said, with the successful launch of an anti-satellite missile, the country has emerged as a space superpower in the world.

Congratulating DRDO, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, the country is extremely proud of their work.

BJP President Amit Shah said the country’s proficient scientists always had the talent and capability and all that needed was the go-ahead from the government.

Briefing media in New Delhi, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said, it was a long time ago that the Indian scientists had a desire and the capability to launch Mission Shakti, but the then government did not allow them.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel claimed that the UPA government had initiated the ASAT programme which has reached fruition today. Mr Patel congratulated space scientists and the visionary leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh.