While addressing the nation, PM Modi asserted that India has become the fourth country to enter the elite space club after America, Russia and China. He noted that as a part of the pre-planned test, the scientists of the country had destroyed a satellite in low earth orbit. Dubbed as Mission Shakti, PM Modi said that the operation was difficult to achieve, however, an anti-satellite weapon A-SAT successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit.

Modi also lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for developing various space-related technologies that benefit society. He added that given India had already established itself as a space power, a demonstration of its military prowess in space was necessary for regional peace.

What is Mission Shakti?

India’s Mission to destroy or incapacitate satellites is known as Mission Shakti. Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) are created to aim and destroy enemy spy satellites. Many countries have the capability of doing the same, but only 3 countries before India have demonstrated their ASAT capabilities.