Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT)

Why in news?

• On the occasion of Engineers Day, a customized stamp on India’s first Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT) launch was released by the Department of Posts.

About Mission Shakti:

• Mission Shakti was an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island launch complex in Odisha.
• The ASAT system shot down one of India’s decommissioned satellites about 300 km away from earth in Low Earth Orbit during the mission.
• The test was done in lower atmosphere to ensure no space debris. Debris generated decayed and fell on the earth within two weeks.

Development:

• It is a joint programme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• India joined a select group of nations — USA, Russia and China — with a similar technology with the success.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding “Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT)” technology:
1.Only USA and Russia possess A-SAT technology apart from India. 
2.India’s A-SAT technology was developed by DRDO.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question