With the successful anti-satellite missile test, India is capable of hitting a target at a range of over 1,000 km in space and a lower orbit was chosen for the mission to avoid a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asat-satellite-destruction-led-to-400-pieces-of-debris-endangering-iss-nasa-207311">threat of debris to global space assets</a>, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday.

On being asked whether multiple satellite targets can be hit, he said, "It is a question of how many launchers we have, and with multiple launchers, one can have multiple engagements. But, multiple (targets) is definitely feasible."

India shot down one of its satellites in space on March 27 with an anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile to demonstrate this complex capability, joining the elite club of countries -- the US, Russia and China -- which have such capabilities.

"The A-SAT test was successfully conducted with a new interceptor missile against a live orbiting satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a hit-to-kill mode. The interceptor has the capability to hit the target at a range of 1,000 km, which covers most of the LEO satellites," he told a press conference at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Bhawan here.

"An orbit of around 300 km was chosen for the test for capability demonstration and the purpose was to avoid the threat of debris to any global space assets," Reddy said.

His remarks come days after NASA raised concerns about the spread of debris from the A-SAT test India conducted under Mission Shakti.

"The debris created following the intercept will decay in a matter of weeks," he added.

Addressing the media persons, Reddy also said, "For a similar application we don't need another test."

On Tuesday, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had termed a "terrible thing" India's shooting down of its satellite, saying the hit-to-kill mission created about 400 pieces of orbital debris.

"Some debris going up could be a possibility, as per our simulation also. We don't have information on that.. From our simulation, we can very clearly say that the possibilities of (debris) hitting the ISS are not there," Reddy said.

He said the first 10 days since the test were critical and that have passed, and in 45 days all debris will disintegrate.

The Ministry of External Affairs too has said the test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed the A-SAT test's success as "an unprecedented achievement" that makes India a "space power".

Some 150 scientists, including at least 40 women scientists, worked round-the-clock, and especially in the last six months on this project. About 2,000 components were sourced from 50 private industries. The idea began around 2014 and development started in 2016 with a go-ahead from the government.

The press interaction came days ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 11 due to which the model code of conduct is in place.

He also said that earlier in the day there was a meeting with eminent scientists to inform them about the A-SAT test.&nbsp;

He also responded to a question on Congress leader P Chidambaram's criticism of the government on the test, who had said that "only a foolish government" would reveal a defence secret.

"Mission of this nature after a test is conducted can't be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken, Reddy said.

With the successful anti-satellite missile test, India is capable of hitting a target at a range of over 1,000 km in space and a lower orbit was chosen for the mission to avoid a threat of debris to global space assets, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday.

With the successful anti-satellite missile test, India is capable of hitting a target at a range of over 1,000 km in space and a lower orbit was chosen for the mission to avoid a threat of debris to global space assets, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday. On being asked whether multiple satellite targets can be hit, he said, "It is a question of how many launchers we have, and with multiple launchers, one can have multiple engagements. But, multiple (targets) is definitely feasible." India shot down one of its satellites in space on March 27 with an anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile to demonstrate this complex capability, joining the elite club of countries -- the US, Russia and China -- which have such capabilities. "The A-SAT test was successfully conducted with a new interceptor missile against a live orbiting satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a hit-to-kill mode. The interceptor has the capability to hit the target at a range of 1,000 km, which covers most of the LEO satellites," he told a press conference at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Bhawan here. "An orbit of around 300 km was chosen for the test for capability demonstration and the purpose was to avoid the threat of debris to any global space assets," Reddy said. His remarks come days after NASA raised concerns about the spread of debris from the A-SAT test India conducted under Mission Shakti. "The debris created following the intercept will decay in a matter of weeks," he added. Addressing the media persons, Reddy also said, "For a similar application we don't need another test." On Tuesday, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had termed a "terrible thing" India's shooting down of its satellite, saying the hit-to-kill mission created about 400 pieces of orbital debris. "Some debris going up could be a possibility, as per our simulation also. We don't have information on that.. From our simulation, we can very clearly say that the possibilities of (debris) hitting the ISS are not there," Reddy said. He said the first 10 days since the test were critical and that have passed, and in 45 days all debris will disintegrate. The Ministry of External Affairs too has said the test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed the A-SAT test's success as "an unprecedented achievement" that makes India a "space power". Some 150 scientists, including at least 40 women scientists, worked round-the-clock, and especially in the last six months on this project. About 2,000 components were sourced from 50 private industries. The idea began around 2014 and development started in 2016 with a go-ahead from the government. The press interaction came days ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 11 due to which the model code of conduct is in place. He also said that earlier in the day there was a meeting with eminent scientists to inform them about the A-SAT test. He also responded to a question on Congress leader P Chidambaram's criticism of the government on the test, who had said that "only a foolish government" would reveal a defence secret. "Mission of this nature after a test is conducted can't be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken, Reddy said.

A-SAT: India chose much lower orbit to avoid debris threat to global space assets, says DRDO

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">anti-satellite missile capability</a>, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Terming it a gross violation of the model code of conduct, Banerjee said there was "no great urgency" of announcing the mission by a government "past its expiry date" and asserted that it seems to be the "desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat".

She said she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission.

"India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research &amp; space organisations," she said adding research, space management and development are a continuous process over the years and "Modi, as usual likes to take the credit for everything".

She said, "credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists &amp; researchers."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers.

"Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of the election. This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

"There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission," the West Bengal chief minister said in a series of tweets.

Senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said that Narendra Modi should stop taking credit for the achievement or job done by others.

"Shooting down a satellite is the credit of our scientists. The Modi government in the last five years has failed to provide any relief to the people of the country," senior the TMC leader.

"So ahead of the elections, the BJP and Modi should stop these tricks to fool the masses. It won't have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections," Hakim said.

Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the entire scientific community for achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology.

"Congratulations once again to DRDO &amp; entire scientific community in achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of anti-satellite missile capability, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of anti-satellite missile capability, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Terming it a gross violation of the model code of conduct, Banerjee said there was "no great urgency" of announcing the mission by a government "past its expiry date" and asserted that it seems to be the "desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat". She said she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission. "India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research & space organisations," she said adding research, space management and development are a continuous process over the years and "Modi, as usual likes to take the credit for everything". She said, "credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists & researchers." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers. "Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of the election. This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct. "There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission," the West Bengal chief minister said in a series of tweets. Senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said that Narendra Modi should stop taking credit for the achievement or job done by others. "Shooting down a satellite is the credit of our scientists. The Modi government in the last five years has failed to provide any relief to the people of the country," senior the TMC leader. "So ahead of the elections, the BJP and Modi should stop these tricks to fool the masses. It won't have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections," Hakim said. Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the entire scientific community for achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology. "Congratulations once again to DRDO & entire scientific community in achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology," he tweeted.

Limitless drama to reap political benefits: Mamata Banerjee on Mission Shakti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that India had shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-low-earth-orbit-satellite-against-which-india-launched-a-surgical-strike-in-space-205974">low earth orbit satellite</a> with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile.&nbsp;

With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power".&nbsp;

Only three countries — America, Russia and China — the prime minister said, have this capability. India is the fourth to join the club.&nbsp;

The operation had been called "Mission Shakti", and consisted of the A-Sat missile shooting down a live satellite in low earth orbit.&nbsp;

The entire operation, Modi said, had taken three minutes.&nbsp;

Modi added that India's A-Sat missile was not meant to be used for offence, but for defence.&nbsp;

Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence.&nbsp;

He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy".&nbsp;

"We did not violate any international treaty," he added.&nbsp;

"We want to use our technology for the safety and betterment of our 130 crore people," he said. "We need a strong India".&nbsp;

Modi added that India's new anti-satellite missile will help the country "emerge as a safe, progressive and strong country".&nbsp;And that "we should be ready to counter all threats in the future".&nbsp;

Modi had said earlier on Wednesday that he had an "important message" to give to the country.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
An important message to the nation. Watch. <a href="https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ">https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1110797218703761408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionShakti</a> is special for 2 reasons: 
(1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised &amp; modern capability. 
(2) Entire effort is indigenous. 
India stands tall as a space power! 
It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1110801488559759360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons," Modi tweeted after making his announcement.&nbsp;

"India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised &amp; modern capability" and "entire effort is indigenous" he elaborated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that India had shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile. With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that India had shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile. With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power". Only three countries — America, Russia and China — the prime minister said, have this capability. India is the fourth to join the club. The operation had been called "Mission Shakti", and consisted of the A-Sat missile shooting down a live satellite in low earth orbit. The entire operation, Modi said, had taken three minutes. Modi added that India's A-Sat missile was not meant to be used for offence, but for defence. Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence. He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy". "We did not violate any international treaty," he added. "We want to use our technology for the safety and betterment of our 130 crore people," he said. "We need a strong India". Modi added that India's new anti-satellite missile will help the country "emerge as a safe, progressive and strong country". And that "we should be ready to counter all threats in the future". Modi had said earlier on Wednesday that he had an "important message" to give to the country. An important message to the nation. Watch. https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019 × #MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons: (1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability. (2) Entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019 × "#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons," Modi tweeted after making his announcement. "India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability" and "entire effort is indigenous" he elaborated.

In 'important message' to nation, Modi says India shot down satellite in space