No further anti-satellite tests are required since Indian space scientists took out a satellite in low earth orbit 10 days ago, said G. Satheesh Reddy, Chairman of India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Briefing the media on the test, Dr Reddy confirmed that the same technologies and capability could be used to destroy multiple satellites if required and at altitudes of up to 1000 km.
Dr Reddy said the International Space Station was 120 km above the test site, so there was no danger from debris. “Our computer simulations also showed that debris can go up but the possibility of hitting the space station is not there. The risk is for 10 days only which ends today. Simulations also showed that all debris will decay within 45 days of the test.”
Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran, who was present, pointed out that “There were four public statements on the debris issue from the U.S., one each from the State Department, the Pentagon, the Acting Secretary of Defense and the NASA chief who was addressing his employees during a town hall meeting.”
He said we go by the State Department which said, “We took note of the Indian Government’s statement that the test was designed to address space debris issues.”
Dr Reddy was cautious about the way forward, indicating that research would go ahead on lasers and directed energy, adding that any decision on weaponisation had to come from government. “But the best defence is deterrence and we have demonstrated that.”
Some technical details were shared: the kill vehicle moved in on the target at a speed of 10 km per second and the terminal phase (the time before collision) was only 20 seconds. This required precision guidance provided by the indigenous “seeker”. “Ninety per cent of the technologies and sub-systems are indigenous,” Dr Reddy said, lauding the efforts of the 150-strong team of scientists and engineers, including 30-40 women scientists.
Deputy NSA Saran said there was no question of conducting the A-Sat test in secret. A NOTAM (Notice To Airmen) was issued to alert the aviation authorities of various countries that a space test is to be conducted during such and such period.
He said that as a country with a sophisticated space programme, India abided by all international obligations. “The test was science and technology driven and as a matter of policy, India is engaged in all relevant international negotiations on outer space. Last year and again last month, experts met to discuss issues relating to space and outer space.”