FICCI : Industry's Voice for Policy Change

In a mega push to boost mining, defence, civil aviation and power distribution sectors, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Saturday announced deep structural reforms under the Rs 20 lakh-crore economic package for the 'self-reliant India' programme, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.

The Minister detailed makeover initiatives for eight key sectors, to be supported and promoted via structural reforms.

The biggest reform measure, ending one of the last great central monopolies, was announced for the coal sector, where mining has been deregulated.

The Minister said nearly 50 blocks would be offered for auction immediately, and in a departure from the tradition, there will no eligibility conditions, only upfront payment with a ceiling.

The Rs 50,000 crore infrastructure development will be instituted for evacuation of coal to help Coal India's (CIL) achieve the 1 billion tonnes output target by 2023-24, plus the coal produced from private blocks.

The coal-based methane gas reserves will also be auctioned and incentives be provided for conversion of coal into gas.

A new regime for seamless composite exploration-cum-mining-cum-production will be introduced, and joint auction of bauxite and coal blocks for the aluminium industry will be conducted.

Similarly, a major set of reforms has been announced for the defence manufacturing sector. The foreign direct investment (FDI) limit for the industry will be raised from 49 per cent to 74 per cent under the automatic route.

Sitharaman spoke of time-bound defence procurement process and faster decision-making under the new policy. The Centre will also set up a project management unit to support contract management.

It has also been decided to notify certain weapons and platform that would not be imported and efforts would be made for local production of spares.

The Centre will also go for corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board to improve autonomy, accountability and efficiency in ordnance supplies.

Six more airports have been identified for the second round of bidding for operation and maintenance on the public-private partnership (PPP) basis. The air space availability will also be eased to allow airlines save cost and passengers, the flying time.

For the power distribution business, the Minister said discoms in the Union Territories would be privatised. A Rs 8,100-crore revamped viability gap funding scheme was also announced for social infrastructure projects.

The government will encourage the private sector's participation in the space sector through collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and a liberal geo-spatial data policy.

A medical isotope producing research reactor will also be set up under the PPP mode.

These announcements have been made under Prime Minister's mega stimulus package amounting to 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Besides, the day's mega announcements, the FM also gave details on industrial clusters upgrade along with releasing rankings of industrial parks in 2020-21, ranking of states on investment attractiveness to compete for new investments and making information available on Industrial Information system with GIS mapping.

India Inc welcomed the announcements which it said will give the required push to boost the domestic economy.

"The fourth tranche of announcements by Hon'ble Finance Minister today was focused on investment promotion in a big way in key sectors of the economy. The announcements give shape to the Prime Minister's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat for localised manufacturing, reducing imports and boosting employment", said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry(CII).

"Overall, in the last four days, the government has introduced a set of major reforms, be it agriculture, MSME, or power. The eight sectors where reforms were outlined by Hon'ble Finance Minister today represent core sectors such as coal, mining and power as well as emerging sectors of defence production, aviation, space, and atomic energy and add up to substantial incentives for new investments."

Industry body FICCI President said: "The government is turning the crisis into an opportunity for India and we have seen that in a matter of just a few days some of the long-standing reform measures that FICCI was pushing for have been announced by the government."

"The measures announced today were in the same direction of creating more opportunities for Indian industry and leveraging the strengths of both large business houses as well as start-ups. These measures will lay the foundation for long term growth and provide impetus to sectors that can help share the future of India."

According Secretary General Deepak Sood: "You need grit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce far-reaching reforms like increasing FDI limit in Defence production from 49 per cent to 74 per cent, allowing commercial coal mining for private sector, privatising Discoms in the Union Territories and, above all, reposing confidence in India's private sector to commercially use the country's space capabilities."

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry's President D.K. Aggarwal said: "Boosting private sector investment in social infrastructure through revamped VGF scheme with an outlay of Rs 8100 crore, introduction of tariff policy laying out reforms in consumer rights, promote industry and boosting private participation in space sector and atomic energy related reforms are highly appreciable and growth provoking...."

ET Energy World | Dec 09, 2019

India must build satellite to harness solar energy from space: Former DRDO chief

India should work with friendly nations to build a solar power satellite and place it in orbit to harness solar power as the country is running out of conventional sources like coal, says former chief of DRDO A Sivathanu Pillai.

“One nation cannot do this. So, India should work with friendly nations, which have equal interest, to develop a technology to harness the solar energy from space for sustainable growth,” Pillai told TOI on the sideline of the TAN-ENERGY Summit 2019 here on Friday. The summit was organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

He said the heat energy should be harnessed and converted into microwaves. It should be channalised to the earth. “A floating station on the sea is the best option to receive it and convert it into electricity. The same can be used to operate desalination plants,” he said.

Technology should be developed, keeping in mind the living organism and birds in the earth, to safely transport the energy from the orbit to the earth, he added.

Business Standard | Jul 22, 2019

FICCI congratulates ISRO on the successful launch of Chandrayaan 2

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Monday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"This success adds further-more to the credentials of our space scientists' fraternity, who have time and again successfully delivered critical missions with far less the cost than similar international ones, making the nation proud," FICCI President, Sandeep Somany said.

Talking about the ties between ISRO and Indian industries he added, "Indian industry is fortunate to have been associated with ISRO both on the Launch Vehicle and spacecraft programs, including the complex Chandrayaan 2 mission. I am sure, ISRO will continue to hand-hold industry, and further engage the big, medium and small ones in their further strides."

FICCI also wished ISRO the very best for the later stages of the mission including the soft-landing on the lunar surface and operating the robotic rover on the moon's surface.

India on Monday created history by successfully launching the country's second indigenous Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon, a feat which comes 11 years after the launch of Chandrayaan-1.

Chandrayaan-2 is India's first space mission that will conduct a soft landing on the moon's South Polar Region. The mission makes India 4th country to the soft-land rover on the surface of the moon after Russia, USA, and China.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body." The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and is expected to land on the Moon's South Polar Region on September 6 or 7 this year.

Devdiscourse | Jul 22, 2019

FICCI congratulates ISRO on the successful launch of Chandrayaan 2

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Monday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 mission. "This success adds further-more to the credentials of our space scientists' fraternity, who have time and again successfully delivered critical missions with far less the cost than similar international ones, making the nation proud," FICCI President, Sandeep Somany said.

Talking about the ties between ISRO and Indian industries he added, "Indian industry is fortunate to have been associated with ISRO both on the Launch Vehicle and spacecraft programs, including the complex Chandrayaan 2 mission. I am sure, ISRO will continue to hand-hold industry, and further engage the big, medium and small ones in their further strides." FICCI also wished ISRO the very best for the later stages of the mission including the soft-landing on the lunar surface and operating the robotic rover on the moon's surface.

India on Monday created history by successfully launching the country's second indigenous Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon, a feat which comes 11 years after the launch of Chandrayaan-1. Chandrayaan-2 is India's first space mission that will conduct a soft landing on the moon's South Polar Region. The mission makes India 4th country to the soft-land rover on the surface of the moon after Russia, USA, and China.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body." The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and is expected to land on the Moon's South Polar Region on September 6 or 7 this year.

ANI | Jul 22, 2019

FICCI congratulates ISRO on the successful launch of Chandrayaan 2

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Monday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"This success adds further-more to the credentials of our space scientists' fraternity, who have time and again successfully delivered critical missions with far less the cost than similar international ones, making the nation proud," FICCI President, Sandeep Somany said.

Talking about the ties between ISRO and Indian industries he added, "Indian industry is fortunate to have been associated with ISRO both on the Launch Vehicle and spacecraft programs, including the complex Chandrayaan 2 mission. I am sure, ISRO will continue to hand-hold industry, and further engage the big, medium and small ones in their further strides."

FICCI also wished ISRO the very best for the later stages of the mission including the soft-landing on the lunar surface and operating the robotic rover on the moon's surface.

India on Monday created history by successfully launching the country's second indigenous Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon, a feat which comes 11 years after the launch of Chandrayaan-1.

Chandrayaan-2 is India's first space mission that will conduct a soft landing on the moon's South Polar Region. The mission makes India 4th country to the soft-land rover on the surface of the moon after Russia, USA, and China.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body." The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and is expected to land on the Moon's South Polar Region on September 6 or 7 this year.

Lokmat | Jul 22, 2019

FICCI congratulates ISRO on the successful launch of Chandrayaan 2

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Monday congratulated the Indian Space Research Orgsation (ISRO) for the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"This success adds further-more to the credentials of our space scientists' fraternity, who have time and again successfully delivered critical missions with far less the cost than similar international ones, making the nation proud," FICCI President, Sandeep Somany said.

Talking about the ties between ISRO and Indian industries he added, "Indian industry is fortunate to have been associated with ISRO both on the Launch Vehicle and spacecraft programs, including the complex Chandrayaan 2 mission. I am sure, ISRO will continue to hand-hold industry, and further engage the big, medium and small ones in their further strides."

FICCI also wished ISRO the very best for the later stages of the mission including the soft-landing on the lunar surface and operating the robotic rover on the moon's surface.

India on Monday created history by successfully launching the country's second indigenous Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon, a feat which comes 11 years after the launch of Chandrayaan-1.

Chandrayaan-2 is India's first space mission that will conduct a soft landing on the moon's South Polar Region. The mission makes India 4th country to the soft-land rover on the surface of the moon after Russia, USA, and China.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body." The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and is expected to land on the Moon's South Polar Region on September 6 or 7 this year.

sify news | Jul 22, 2019

FICCI congratulates ISRO on the successful launch of Chandrayaan 2

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Monday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"This success adds further-more to the credentials of our space scientists' fraternity, who have time and again successfully delivered critical missions with far less the cost than similar international ones, making the nation proud," FICCI President, Sandeep Somany said.

Talking about the ties between ISRO and Indian industries he added, "Indian industry is fortunate to have been associated with ISRO both on the Launch Vehicle and spacecraft programs, including the complex Chandrayaan 2 mission. I am sure, ISRO will continue to hand-hold industry, and further engage the big, medium and small ones in their further strides."

FICCI also wished ISRO the very best for the later stages of the mission including the soft-landing on the lunar surface and operating the robotic rover on the moon's surface.

India on Monday created history by successfully launching the country's second indigenous Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon, a feat which comes 11 years after the launch of Chandrayaan-1.

Chandrayaan-2 is India's first space mission that will conduct a soft landing on the moon's South Polar Region. The mission makes India 4th country to the soft-land rover on the surface of the moon after Russia, USA, and China.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body." The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and is expected to land on the Moon's South Polar Region on September 6 or 7 this year.

Business Standard | May 22, 2019

PSLV-C46 takes off successfully with India's earth observation satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro's) workhorse PSLV-C46, carrying RISAT-2B, a radar-imaging earth observation satellite, took off successfully from the Sriharikota space port. The satellite will beef up India’s surveillance capabilities in the sky.

After a successful countdown that started at 04:30 a.m. (IST) on Tuesday, the rocket was launched at 05:30 a.m. on Wednesday early morning as scheduled from the the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, near Chennai.

About 15 minutes into flight, the rocket placed RISAT-2B into an orbit of about 555 km.

Stating that he was extremely happy to announce that PSLV-C46 has successfully injected RISAT-2B in precise orbit, Isro chairman K Sivan said with this mission, the PSLV rocket had crossed the landmark of lofting of 50 tonnes since it started flying. Adding that the PSLV satellite has put into orbit 350 satellites, he said, “The rocket had a piggy back payload, the indigenously developed Vikram computer chip that will be used in the future rockets.”

PSLV-C46 is the 48th mission of PSLV and the 14th flight in 'core-alone' configuration (without the use of solid strap-on motors). This is the 72nd launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 36th launch from the First Launch pad.

PSLV, in its 48th mission, carried the 615-kg RISAT-2B into an orbit of 555 km at an inclination of 37 degrees, Isro officials said. The application would help agriculture and forestry and also support disaster management initiatives.

The launch also marks the resumption of a vital ring of Indian all-seeing radar imaging satellites after seven years. Isro officials said that in the coming months, over six satellites will be launched to form a constellation of space-based radars offering a comprehensive vigil over the country. These satellites can serve as the eyes of the nation from about 500 km in space.

These satellites work like a light-dependent camera that cannot perceive hidden or surreptitious objects in cloudy or dark conditions. They are equipped with an active sensor, the synthetic aperture radar (SAR), so they can sense or ‘observe’ Earth in a special way from space day and night, rain or cloud.

Ratan Shrivastava, advisor (space division), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), said that continuing the series of defence satellites, starting from HySis, to EMISAT, the RISAT 2B, a radar imaging satellite, in X Band which allows 24-hour uninterrupted views without interference from clouds, rain and other inclement weather conditions, will be extremely helpful in tracking any hostile activity on Indian soil. They are useful in monitoring movements such as infiltration or gathering of militants, which will help the armed forces counter such enemy activity in real time. RISAT 2, which is already functional, was helpful during recent operations across the border and RISAT 2 B will augment the surveillance capability.

Radar imaging satellites are also used for crop estimation, because the main kharif crop growing season is in May-September, when it rains and gets cloudy. These satellites deliver data extensively for forestry, soil, land use and geology and are extremely useful during floods and cyclone as well.

According to Sivan, the (next) major mission will be the Chandrayaan-2 or the second moon mission, which is expected to happen in July. Following that will be the launch of a high resolution satellite and Isro’s new rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. (SSLV).

Pointers

* 72nd launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR

* 48th flight of PSLV

* 36th launch from first launch pad

* 14th flight of PSLV Core-Alone

* 3rd launch in 2019

Financial Express | Mar 29, 2019

Project KAUTILYA: India to launch its homemade low-cost Spy satellite on Monday

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is getting ready to launch 29 satellites from the US, Lithuania, Spain and Switzerland including EMISAT next week on Monday. This is the first time that the Indian space agency is attempting to launch these satellites in three different orbits.

The main objective of the launching of EMISAT which is based on ISRO’s Indian Mini Satellite – 2 (IMS-2) bus platform is to measure the electromagnetic spectrum and to read the location of radar emitters, both ground and naval. The 47th mission of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C45 has been scheduled to take off early morning around 9.30 AM from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota with the satellites on board.

Simply put, the PSLV -C45 rocket will put EMISAT into an orbit 749 km from the Earth’s surface, and other satellites in orbit at an altitude of 505 km.

EMISAT, weighing 436 kg, is intended for electromagnetic spectrum measurement and will be placed in an orbit of about 753 km altitude. The customer payloads include 24 of the US, two from Lithuania and one each from Spain and Switzerland, which will be put into into space at an altitude of about 505 km.

According to Ratan Shrivastava, Advisor, Space Division, FICCI, “ The EMISAT has been developed for monitoring radar network by India. EMISAT is a small satellite weighing approximately 436 kgs and developed by DRDO (DLRL Hyderabad) under Project KAUTILYA.”

“It is an ELINT satellite based on IMS2 Bus (Indian Mini Satellite Bus series) which can have a maximum launch weight of 450Kgs with a payload no more than 200kgs. It shares the same Bus architecture as the HySIS satellite launched in November 2018. It is likely to be placed in an elliptical orbit in order to optimize the dwell time, for a required area under observation,” Shrivastava explains.

According to ISRO Chairman K Sivan, in this special mission, PSLV rocket with four strap-on motors will be used and this will be the first time for ISRO will be trying to orbit the rocket at three different altitudes.

What is Project KAUTILYA?

According to the MoD’s annual report of 2013-14, Kautilya for spaceborne ELINT System involves the development of Electronic Intelligence payload for integration on an indigenous mini satellite.

The ELINT includes recordings and analysis of intercepted signals and helps create an RF signature of a radar which can in turn be used for locating and quickly identify the radar in subsequent encounters.

Business Standard | Mar 28, 2019

How A-SAT can destroy enemy's ability to use space technology against India

India on Wednesday made its way into an elite club of "space super powers" as its anti-satellite missile A-SAT shot down a live satellite on a low earth orbit, at a distance of 30 km, in just three minutes. So far only three countries - the US, Russia and China -- had this technology.

'Mission Shakti' is a breakthrough in technology and the country has demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on indigenous technology, said experts.

An External Affairs Ministry statement said the target satellite was one of India's existing satellites operating in lower orbit.

"The test was fully successful and achieved all parameters as per plans. The test required an extremely high degree of precision and technical capability. The significance of the test is that India has tested and successfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology," it said. "The capability achieved through the A-SAT test provides credible deterrence against threats to our growing space-based assets from long range missiles, and proliferation in the types and numbers of missiles," it said.

In an interview, former Isro Chairman, G Madhavan Nair said that China, USA and Russia have already demonstrated their capability. India has conducted the satellite test with all safety precautions. "This is a breakthrough in technology," he added.

Ratan Shrivastava, advisor (space division), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) said that for India to develop the capability of ASAT through "Mission Shakti" is a strategic weapon, which can be used in to intercept and interdict, deny and destroy the ability of the enemy to use their space based systems for gathering intelligence, military applications and deny the use of satellites and other spacecrafts as a platform for any offensive operations against India by targeting the adversary country's surveillance, communication and military satellites.

It assumes importance as there is a vital need to have deterrence in the vital fourth dimension of space to safeguard and defend the country's considerable space assets - and deny the enemy nation access to space assets against India.

ASATs can render the enemy navigation and communication systems useless.

India has had a robust missile defense program and it is a signatory to all the major treaties in relation to outer space through UN Space Committee and others.

"The military potential of satellites are several – such as surveillance, communications, navigation, early warning and can provide for continuous intelligence and monitoring adding the vital fourth dimension as a credible deterrent and a force multiplier, in addition to the Land, Sea and Air, in case of a conflict, specially, when long drawn out wars may give way to shorter and intense conflicts in the future," said Shrivastava.

This capability will deny any adversary the use of satellites and other space-crafts, as a platform for any offensive operations against India by targeting the adversary country’s surveillance, communication and military satellites. It will also safeguard and defend India’s space assets.

ASATs can render the enemy navigation and communication systems useless as a resource and platform to use their air and missile assets against India. ASAT operations are technically challenging and highly complex . The complexity of the mission can be understood by the fact that India hit a satellite orbiting at 300 kilometers above the earth, travelling at a speed of 29000 kilometers per hour – to find and locate the correct satellite, in a maze of space objects field and debris. Successfully destroying it in 3 minutes is nothing short of splendid and spectacular precision displayed by Indian scientists of ISRO and DRDO, said Shrivastava.

Zee Business | Mar 28, 2019

Explained: What is Mission Shakti and why it is important for India

Mission Shakti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address on Wednesday, announced the success of Mission Shakti and revealed that India has become the fourth country, after US, China and Russia, with the capability to destroy a low-orbit satellite and thus establish itself as a space power. The prime minister said that a team of scientists accomplished this feat within a span of 3 minutes and added that it is a proud moment for Indians. PM Modi said that India has become 4th nation in the world to destroy a Low Earth Orbit Satellite in space after USA, China and Russia. As part of the mission, India successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile on 27th March, 2019.

''#MissionShakti was a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision. It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme," the prime minister said during his speech.

"Today is 27th March. A while ago, India achieved a historic feat. India today registered itself as a space power. Till now, 3 countries of the world- America, Russia, & China had this achievement. India is the 4th country to have achieved this feat," he added. PM Modi said that Mission Shakti is an important step towards securing India’s safety, economic growth and technological advancement.

Sandip Somany, President, FICCI, in his reaction, said that 'Mission Shakti' demonstrated India’s capabilities to shoot a satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) based on state-of-the-art capabilities which were indigenously developed. He added that the emergence of India as a major defence and space power while keeping in place its commitments to non-proliferation of weapons in space and not against any nation, speaks volumes of its stature as a responsible world power in the comity of nations.

Explaining the importance of Mision Shakti, PM said, "#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.''

Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) are created to destroy or incapacitate satellites. ASAT was tested by the US in 1958, the USSR followed in 1964 and China in 2007. In 2015, Russia tested its PL-19 Nudol missile and followed it up with other tests.

PM Modi has ensured that the weapon won't be used against anyone and has been properly designed to boost India's space programme.

"A-SAT missile will give new strength to India’s space prog. I assure the international community that our capability won’t be used against anyone but is purely India’s defence initiative for its security. We are against arms raised in space. This test won’t breach any international law or treaties," he said.

Financial Express | Mar 28, 2019

Mission Shakti – India’s Strategic Weapon, developed by DRDO

India’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapon is based on Agni and AD-2 ballistic missile interceptor programme. Today’s demonstration has today’s test has been a long journey in developing the elements that are needed to bring down satellites and long range missiles. ASATs can render the enemy navigation and communication systems useless as a resource and platform to use their air and missile assets.

Scientists at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) project have been working for more than a decade in developing critical elements needed for destroying ballistic missiles and to destroy satellites.

According to experts, the long range boosters that had been used in two previous programmes had to be modified to intercept missiles and satellites and for this all elements have to be aligned. After several simulated tests to ensure there is no space debris, India has now mastered the capabilities.

With growing tensions in the neighbourhood, there could be a direct threat to India’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites which can actually be destroyed by using a technology named KKV (Kinetic Kill Vehicle) or using jamming technologies. India has had a robust missile defence programme and it is a signatory to all the major treaties in relation to outer space through UN Space Committee and others.

According to Air vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (Retd), Additional Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), “It is an important step for Space deterrence. China has this technology. It is part of game in ensuring that adversaries do not gain technological asymmetry in any future war where space will be a big player.”

“The emergence of India as a major defence and space power while keeping in place its commitments to non-proliferation of weapons in space and not against any nation, speaks volumes of its stature as a responsible world power in the comity of nations,” Sandip Somany, President, FICCI said today.

Says Ratan Shrivastava, Advisor, Space Division, FICCI, “For India, as a space faring nation, to develop the capability of ASAT through “Mission Shakti” is a strategic weapon, which can be used in to intercept and interdict, deny and destroy the ability of the enemy to use their space based systems for gather space based intelligence, space based military applications and deny the use of satellites and other spacecrafts as a platform for any offensive operations against India by targeting the adversary country’s surveillance, communication and military satellites.”

According to him it assumes importance as there is a vital need to have deterrence in the vital fourth dimension of Space to safeguard and defend our considerable space assets – and deny the enemy nation to use their space assets against India.

Kill Vehicle as explained by scientists of DRDO is the final missile stage of an interceptor weapon and has been developed as part of the ballistic missile system and has both electronic and radio-frequency guidance that can `home’ in on ballistic missiles and satellites.

When Agni-V Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile was tested in 2012 it had a kill vehicle and a speed of 5,500 km-Agni V. The then DRDO Chief Dr VK Saraswat had termed it as “game changer’’ as it could hit objects in space. During one of the initial tests, it had scaled a height of 600 km before re-entering the atmosphere.

Soon after China had announced its capability shoot down unused satellites in 2007, India tested its own capability in 2012 after DRDO developed all the blocks needed for Anti-Satellite (ASAT) capability. The Space Security Coordination Group (SSCG) set up in 2010 had directed DRDO to accelerate its ASAT capability. India had set SSCG to lay down government’s space policy and matters related to international code of conduct in space.

India Finance News | Mar 28, 2019

Mission Shakti - India’s Strategic Weapon, developed by DRDO