Defence: Mission Shakti

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.

 

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