Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Wednesday announcing that India has entered an elite space club by successfully testing A-SAT, an anti-satellite missile. India is now an entrant in a club of three nations — United States, Russia and China — with anti-satellite weapon capabilities, informed Prime Minister Modi. Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India’s overall security, he said.
Here are 10 highlights of Modi’s announcement:
India has entered its name as an elite space power. An anti-satellite weapon A-SAT, successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit.
Government sources revealed to ANI that the A-SAT weapon was launched around 11:16AM on Wednesday and targeted an Indian satellite which had been decommissioned and was orbiting on a ‘Low Earth Orbit’ at a height of 300 KM from the earth’s surface. The entire test, with confirmation of target elimination, took 3 minutes.
I assure the world community that our new prowess is not against anyone: PM
PM Modi said the A-SAT missile will give new strength to India’s space programme. He also assured the international community that India’s capability won’t be used against anyone but is purely India’s defence initiative for its security.
“India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony,” PM Modi said in a tweet after his address to the nation.
We’re against arms raised in space. This test won’t breach any international law or treaties,” PM Modi said.
Today is 27th March. A while ago, India achieved a historic feat. India today registered itself as a space power. Till now, 3 countries of the world- America, Russia, & China had this achievement. India is the 4th country to have achieved this feat.
Mission Shakti was a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision. It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme.
Today, we have enough satellites that are contributing in various segments such as agriculture, disaster management, communication, weather, navigation etc.
In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today. India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of Mission Shakti.
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