There are a number of ‘elite’ groups in the world. For example, the United Nations Security Council, widely called UNSC, comprises of five permanent members, namely US, UK, China, France and Russia; the nuclear-club also recognizes the P-5 members as the only legitimate holders of nuclear weapons. Yet another elite club consists of countries that possess the capability to prevent any violation by a foreign satellite into their outer space. Until now, only US, Russia and China were its members but the March 27th announcement by India’s Prime Minister added one more member here- India.
Politics aside, given that a few people are questioning the timing of the announcement since general polls are scheduled in the month of April, the security and technology dimensions linked with this are nothing short of celebration and applause for all Indians. Let’s know why.
Why A-SAT is a gamechanger?
A-SAT means anti-satellite missile technology. With this, India has now become capable of shooting down any unwanted satellite that poses danger during a space warfare, which has been termed as the ‘fourth dimension’ of war after land, sea and air. For example, if India’s arch-rival Pakistan contemplates using its remote sensing satellite (PRSS-1) against India’s interests, India can deploy its anti-satellite technology and get rid of any such intrusion within a matter of few minutes. The country now has an edge in case of war and A-SAT will act as a formidable deterrent.
Is A-SAT tech an import or self-made?
Here is another reason for us to cheer the successful test of A-SAT. Defence Research and Development Organisation, the government agency which is credited with developing and effectively deploying the A-SAT tech, has confirmed that all technology used in the development is indigenous, which means that we do not need to rely on foreign expertise for any improvements or modifications at later stages. The missile that shot down satellite, Microsat-R, during the test run was completely ‘desi’. DRDO has also confirmed that it was only 6 months ago that the agency pursued the goal in a mission mode, culminating into the fruitful test on Wednesday.
Are there any repercussions?
No. International agencies may be talking about the debris that will be left in the space after the shooting down of the satellite, however, Indian agencies have dispelled all such fears by confirming that the point where the satellite was shot down lies in lower orbit and the resulting debris will decay and fall back on earth without posing any risk to the sanctity of space. Others have also warned of arms race but India has committed to peaceful use of this tech and deployment only when national security is under threat.
So, for now, Indians can take pride in the fact that ours is the fourth country to possess the A-SAT tech and that the test conducted has established that any foreign intrusion by an enemy satellite can be crushed within minutes and upto a range of 1,000 kilometers in space.
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