New Delhi, (Samajweekly) The Department of Posts released a stamp on India’s first Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) Missile System on the occasion of Engineers’ Day on Tuesday in Delhi.
Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) A-SAT missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode from Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha on March 27, 2019.
The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors had confirmed that the mission met all its objectives. The entire effort was indigenous which demonstrated the nation’s capability to develop such complex and critical missions.
A number of industries also participated in the mission. With this success, India became the fourth nation in the world to possess such capability.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in his address stated that it was a very brave step on part of DRDO to go for ‘Mission Shakti’.
He further stated that DRDO has plenty of achievements to be proud of, however the future is in space-based technologies. Satellites are critical and with this capability India can defend its assets in space. He appreciated the way in which the mission was kept a secret and complimented the whole DRDO fraternity for doing well in all other fields.
DRDO Chairman Dr G. Satheesh Reddy stated that A-SAT mission enabled development of many technologies and capabilities for precision kill at higher altitudes. He called upon DRDO to take up more such complex and critical projects.
“The release of the stamp reminds the nation about the technological achievement which has made the nation proud,” Pradipta Kumar Bisoi, Secretary, Department of Posts said.
