New Delhi: In a historic mission, India today became “a space superpower” by becoming the fourth country to acquire anti-satellite capability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday, calling it “a proud moment”.
“Our scientists, a little while ago, have targeted a live satellite in space 300 km away in low earth orbit,” he said in a nationally televised speech.
“The pre-fixed target was destroyed by the A-SAT in just three minutes. With this, India has established itself as a space superpower.
“Mission Shakti was a difficult operation but a huge success,” the Prime Minister added.
India now becomes fourth in world to have anti-satellite capability state after US, Russia and China:
The operation involved a complicated space manoeuvre, Modi said.
Only the United States, Russia and China possessed the technology until now, he added.
Saying the mission did not violate any international law, Modi said: “This is a proud moment for the country. Our scientists have made this happen.
“This new technology is not against anyone. It is only for the progress of India. We are only doing it for our safety and security.
“Our aim is to maintain peace and not develop a war-like situation,” the Prime Minister said.
