India on Wednesday launched Mission Shakti - an anti-satellite missile test. India used indigenously made Anti-Satellite Weapons (A-SAT) for hitting the live satellite target, which was on a ‘Low Earth Orbit’ at a height of 300 kilometers from the earth’s surface. The test required an extremely high degree of precision and technical capability.
With Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India has entered an exclusive group of space-faring nations consisting of USA, Russia and China.
“A-SAT missile will give new strength to India's space programme. I assure int'l community that our capability won't be used against anyone but is purely India's defence initiative for its security. We're against arms raised in space. This test won't breach any int'l law or treaties,” said Modi.
Under the Modi-led NDA government, India’s spending on space research almost tripled. India spent Rs 11,538 crore in 2018-19, while in 2009-10 it spent only Rs 4,163. Under the Modi-led NDA government, India’s spending on space research almost tripled. India spent Rs 11,538 crore in 2018-19, while in 2009-10 it spent only Rs 4,163. According to experts, the jump happened mainly for an improved focus in capital expenditure. While revenue spending on space research grew by 27 per cent from 2014-15 to 2018-19, capital spending quadrupled.