Press Release from High Commission of India Canberra on the "Mission Shakti"-India's Anti Satellite Missile Test Press Release from High Commission of India Canberra on the "Mission Shakti"-India's Anti Satellite Missile Test

Press Release from High Commission of India Canberra on the "Mission Shakti"-India's Anti Satellite Missile Test

 
 

High Commission of India

Canberra

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Press Release

Mission Shakti” - India’s Anti-Satellite Missile Test

On March 27, 2019 India conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test, from the Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Island launch complex.This was a technological mission carried out by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The satellite used in the mission was one of India’s existing satellites operating in lower orbit. The test requiring an extremely high degree of precision and technical capability was fully successful and achieved all parameters as per plans. The test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris; whatever debris that is generated will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.

The significance of the test is that India has tested and successfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology. With this test, India joins an exclusive group of space faring nations.

India has a longstanding and rapidly growing space programme. It has undertaken 102 spacecraft missions consisting of communication satellites, earth observation satellites, experimental satellites, navigation satellites, apart from satellites meant for scientific research and exploration, academic studies and other small satellites. The “Mangalyaan” Mission to Mars was successfully launched and work is going on for the “Gaganyaan” Mission which will take Indians to outer space. The main objective of India’s space programme is ensuring the country’s security, its economic development and technological progress.

The Mission Shakti is another important step in ensuring security of all the three pillars of the space programme. The new capability developed by India is not directed against any country. It is an effort to secure a fast growing India. India has always been opposed to the weaponisation of space and an arms race in outer space. This test does not, in any way, change this position. The test does not violate any international law or Treaty obligation to which India is a party.

India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all.

Canberra

March 28, 2019

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