India on Wednesday made its way into an elite club of "space super powers" as its anti-satellite missile A-SAT successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit in just three minutes.
So far only three countries - the US, Russia and China -- had this technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing the feat said: "I assure the international community that our capability won't be used against anyone but is purely India's defence initiative for its security. We are against an arms race in space. This test won't breach any international law or treaties."
The development, apart from highlighting India's prowess in space technology, also assumes significance in the context of Pakistan and China. India, certainly, won't like to be surprised by C4ISR-driven (Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) warfare.
An important message to the nation. Watch. https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
In July last year, Pakistan has launched the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) and the Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite (PakTES-1A) from China's Jiuquan Satellite Centre.
The PRSS-1 is the first optical remote sensing satellite sold to Pakistan by China. The 1,200 kg satellite will operate at an altitude of 640 kilometres.
The Pakistan Foreign Office has officially said that PRSS-1 will enable the country "to meet its imagery requirements in the areas of land mapping, agriculture, urban and rural planning, environmental monitoring, natural disaster management and water resource management for socio-economic development".
In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
One such moment is today.
India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti.
#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons:
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
(1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability.
(2) Entire effort is indigenous.
India stands tall as a space power!
It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony.
Indeed Pranab Da.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
These rich words from a distinguished statesman like you, who has also dealt with issues of national security, will greatly encourage our scientists and engineers. They have always worked to strengthen India and will continue to do so. #MissionShakti https://t.co/BvzsSQfUNA
Our scientists are our pride. Their hardwork and perseverance ensured that #MissionShakti is a success. https://t.co/Ru3XE1vnjE
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
However, the satellite may have military applications as well.
Notably, the carrier frequency of PRSS-1, that is 8.2 GHz, is part of the X-band region of the spectrum (which ranges from 8.0-12.0 GHz) which is usually used for communication with mobile platforms such as aircraft, ships, UAVs and ground forces.
The Chinese interests also reflect in one of the stated objectives of the satellite deployment, that is, the PRSS-1 will also be used to provide remote sensing information for the Belt and Road region.
Former DRDO Chief Dr VK Saraswat on #MissionShakti: We made presentations to National Security Adviser&National Security Council, when such discussions were held, they were heard by all concerned, unfortunately, we didn't get positive response (from UPA), so we didn't go ahead. pic.twitter.com/qJDMtc3Kf2
— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2019
According to an article in ‘Gateway House', the PRSS-1 is also believed to carry two high-resolution payloads including a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) used for terrestrial and marine imagery and geospatial intelligence.
The other is an electro-optical (EO) imaging system which has tactical C4ISR applications.
#WATCH Visuals from the launch of the anti satellite missile used in #MissionShakti #ASAT pic.twitter.com/IEIhtHpPgs
— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2019
Along with PRSS-1, Pakistan also launched PakTES-1A, which is a 285 kilogram satellite equipped with an optical payload and will operate at an altitude of 610 km.
Reacting to India's announcement of its successful A-Sat missile launch, China on Wednesday said that it hoped that India would "earnestly" maintain peace and tranquility in the outer space.
India tested A-SAT missile on Wednesday. It has now become the fourth country to acquire space super power. Watch Simulation of the #ASAT BMD interceptor missile (video courtesy: Defence sources) #MissionShakti pic.twitter.com/fMiPeVlb9z
— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) March 27, 2019
"We are aware of relevant reports and we hope that all countries will earnestly safeguard lasting peace and tranquility in the outer space," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
China had achieved this feat in 2007 by shooting its weather satellite.
China is an emerging superpower in the outer space by launching scores of satellites as President Xi Jinping wants his country to surge ahead of the US and Russia.
In 2013, China joined the US and Russia to "soft-land" on the moon.