ASAT missile project began 2 years ago, went into 'mission mode' in last 6 months, says DRDO Chairman
File photo. Photograph:( ANI )
A day after India's successful anti-satellite missile test, DRDO Chairman G Sateesh Reddy said that ASAT missile programme started a few years back and entered ‘mission mode’ six months ago.
About 100 scientists worked around the clock to reach the intended launch date target, he added.
#WATCH DRDO Chairman GS Reddy to ANI says, “NSA (Ajit Doval) whom we report to on strategic matters gave direction to go ahead with the test & he had the concurrence from PM. The development started a few years back & we went into mission mode in last 6 months.” #MissionShakti pic.twitter.com/QPoPobC9pp
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2019
According to Reddy, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, who had the concurrence from the prime minister, gave the go-ahead for the test.
DRDO reports to Doval on strategic matters.
Reddy said A-SAT missile was capable of targeting all ‘Low Earth Orbit’ (LEO) satellites and has a range of up to a 1000 Kilometers plus.
''We have the ability to handle LEO satellites but we intentionally chose at low altitudes as a responsible nation to see that all the space assets are safe and debris decayed fast,'' he added.
The missile has been developed specifically as an anti-satellite weapon, Reddy said and added, it has the technologies developed for ballistic missile defence applications, particularly the kill vehicle.
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According to Reddy, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, who had the concurrence from the prime minister, gave the go-ahead for the test.
