India conducted an anti-satellite missile test on 27th March 2019 which was dubbed as Mission Shakti. The test successfully destroyed a live satellite in the Low Earth Orbit. Mission Shakti became a significant achievement for India for it brought the nation in the row (4th position) with the US, Russia, and China to successfully interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space-based on complete indigenous technology. Read on to get important facts about Mission Shakti for the IAS Exam preparation.
Candidates should not confuse Mission Shakti with Mitra Shakti and Mission Shakti of Odisha state. While Mission Shakti is India’s A-SAT missile test, Mitra Shakti is Indian Army’s Bilateral Exercise with the Sri Lankan Army; Odisha’s Mission Shakti is an exclusive department for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in state government which caters to the need of rural women associated with around six lakh women SHGs of the state.
| Aspirants can cover the topics mentioned in the UPSC Syllabus by following the below-mentioned links: |
Mission Shakti – Background
What is Mission Shakti?
On March 27, 2019, an anti-satellite missile system (ASAT) that was developed by India’s R&D organization, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) was tested to destroy a live satellite in the Low Earth Orbit. The test was called Mission Shakti.
Why was Mission Shakti conducted?
India like other nations has her space assets that need to be protected and safeguarded. Also, India has space programmes that are rapidly growing. The Mission Shakti was conducted to demonstrate India’s capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space-based on complete indigenous technology.
Facts about Mission Shakti for UPSC
The table below mentions the relevant facts about Mission Shakti for the IAS Exam:
|
Mission Shakti – Facts for UPSC |
| With the successful Mission Shakti, India has joined the space-faring nations’ group that includes the US, Russia and China. India is now the fourth country to demonstrate such a test successfully. |
The Anti-Satellite Missile test was conducted on India’s own and existing satellite that was in operation in the Earth’s lower orbit.
|
To conduct the test, India had to send a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to airline authorities of different countries to intimate them about the missile test it is going to conduct:
|
| The test Mission Shakti did not create any space debris as it was conducted in the Earth’s lower atmosphere. The debris created by the test fell back on Earth within weeks. |
| Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor of DRDO was used in Mission Shakti. It is part of the ongoing ballistic missile defence programme. |
| The Mission Shakti test demonstrated India’s intention of enhancing national security and took India a step ahead in its space development capabilities. |
Aspirants can read the official FAQ regarding Mission Shakti (press release on Ministry of External Affairs website).
Important Terms related to Mission Shakti
As the candidate reads about Mission Shakti, he/she has come in contact with some important key-terms related to the test. These terms are also important for the IAS Exam specifically important from the UPSC Prelims perspective. Read about those terms in the table below:
| Mission Shakti – Important Terms | |
| Term | Meaning |
| LEO | It is referred to as a Low-Earth Orbit that is closer to Earth. The altitude of LEO is less than 2000 km. Most of the outer space man-made objects are found in LEO. This orbit is chosen as for a satellite to be placed here requires the lowest amount of energy. |
| ASAT | It stands for Anti-Satellite Weapon System which, as the name suggests, is used to destroy satellites. It is not a new venture. In world history, in the times of the Cold War, the US has used A-SAT. Also, China in 2007, has used its A-SAT.
Note: No country has used an A-SAT against any other nation. |
The Mission Shakti is important for the UPSC Exam, from the perspective of Science & Technology and developments in the same. Check below-mentioned links which are similar to this topic and also helpful for GS-III preparation:
| Indian Spacecrafts for Science & Technology Preparation | ISRO |
| List of Indian Satellites | GSLV MK-III |
Space programmes are important to be read and make an important segment of the Science & Technology syllabus of Mains GS 3. Aspirants can get previous year Science & Technology questions of UPSC Mains GS 3 for analysis and practise.
Mission Shakti – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
Related Links:
| Topic-Wise GS 3 Questions of UPSC Mains | UPSC Mains GS 3 Strategy |
| Security Questions for UPSC Mains GS 3 | UPSC Mains |
Comments