Relevance: mains: G.S paper III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Why in News?
Indian defence scientists demonstrated ASAT or anti-satellite missile capability successfully.
What are anti-satellite weapons?
- Anti-satellite missiles can be deployed against enemy satellites, disrupting crucial intelligence during war.
- Such a weapon allows for attacks on enemy satellites – blinding them or disrupting communications – as well as providing a technology base for intercepting ballistic missiles.
What is mission Shakti?
- Mission Shakti is an anti-satellite missile test conducted by India.
- This was a technological mission carried out by DRDO.
- The satellite used in the mission was one of India’s existing satellites operating in lower orbit.
- With this test, India joins an exclusive group of space faring nations consisting of USA, Russia and China.
- DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used, which is part of the ongoing ballistic missile defence programme.
- The test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris.
What is the international law on weapons in outer space?
- The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
- India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982.
- The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.
- India is not in violation of any international law or Treaty to which it is a Party or any national obligation.