Mission Shakti: Turning Point in India's Space Defence Technology

In the annals of India's scientific and defense history, few events shine as brightly as the culmination of Mission Shakti. In the year 2019, India achieved a milestone that reverberated across the globe, marking a pivotal moment in its science, space, and defense endeavours. It was the year when India's indomitable spirit of innovation and self-reliance came to fruition in the form of an indigenous Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapon system. The successful testing of this homegrown technology not only showcased India's formidable capabilities in the realm of space defense but also underscored its un-wavering commitment to safe-guarding national security interests. As we delve into the intricacies of Mission Shakti, we unravel the journey of determination, ingenuity, and scientific excellence that propelled India into the league of nations possessing such advanced capabilities.

The development of the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapon system highlighted India's dedication to bolstering its defence capabilities and promoting collaboration in space exploration on an international scale. As a signatory to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, this pursuit of space exploration had to align with India's stance against the militarisation of outer space, reinforcing its belief in space as a shared heritage of mankind.

The DRDO, leveraging its extensive experience in ballistic missile defence, was entrusted with this monumental challenge. Aware of the high stakes and global scrutiny, the scientists faced two options: the 'Soft kill' and the 'Hard kill'. The former involved a non-destructive approach using electronic warfare or directed energy weapons, while the latter represented a decisive show of strength, physically destroying the target satellite.

After careful consideration, India opted for the 'Hard kill'. Extensive groundwork ensued, requiring the development of radars, mission control centers, launch control centers, and the missile interceptors themselves from the ground up. The ASAT system stood as a marvel of engineering, integrating long-range boosters with a hit- to- kill vehicle, all orchestrated by a sophisticated network of radars and command systems.

Operation Mission Shakti

Cloaked in secrecy, the Mission Shakti project appeared as a routine ballistic missile test. Nearly 150 scientists laboured tirelessly, resulting in a 13-meter-tall interceptor missile poised to defend India's space sovereignty.

The ASAT missile functioned as a hunter, its target a satellite orbiting Earth at 8 kilometers per second. The pursuit commenced with a radar pulse, a signal in the vastness of space, homing in on the metallic body of the enemy satellite. Once locked onto the target, the missile's software would calculate the optimal moment to strike. At the core of the missile was the kill vehicle, outfitted with an Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker. Serving as the mission's eyes, it detected the infrared signature of the satellite, guiding the interceptor with precision.

The decisive moment arrived. The missile soared into the sky, leaving a fiery trail in its wake. Unaware of its impending fate, the satellite continued its orbit. Meanwhile, the kill vehicle, liberated from earthly restraints, zeroed in on its target. The collision un-folded in a spectacular display of destruction, a brilliant flash as metal collided with metal at orbital velocities. The satellite was obliterated, transformed into a cloud of debris- a testament to India's unwavering determination and techno-logical prowess.

Achieving the Impossible

Mission Shakti was not merely a successful test; it was a proclamation that India stood shoulder to shoulder with the world's space-faring nations, capable of defending its interests beyond Earth's atmosphere. It was a clear message to the global community that "India has arrived." And as the scientists at DRDO celebrated their triumph, the world took notice. India accomplished the seemingly impossible, solidifying its position in the annals of space defence history.

This meticulously planned and executed mission demonstrated India's capability to protect its space-based assets while honouring its commitment to international treaties promoting the peaceful use of outer space. Unlike conventional weaponry, India's ASAT missile employed a "kinetic kill" approach, precisely striking the target satellite, Microsatellite-R, without the need for explosives.

Mission Shakti: Triumph of Indigenous Technology in Satellite Interception

What set Mission Shakti apart was not just its success but the indigenous development of critical technologies by DRDO. From the conception of the mission to its execution, every aspect, including configuration, aerodynamics, propulsion, and mission design, was meticulously crafted by Indian scientists and engineers. Thousands of trial runs were conducted in simulation mode to ensure the precision needed to intercept a target satellite flying at an altitude of 283 kilometres, with a closing velocity of 10.8 kilometres per second.

In an ever-evolving techno-logical landscape, India remains vigilant against emerging threats. The ASAT capability provided by Mission Shakti serves as a deterrent against potential adversaries aiming to exploit vulnerabilities in space-based infrastructure.

Moreover, the successful realisation of Mission Shakti not only elevated India's standing in space technology but also demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate within tight timelines. The development of the ASAT weapon system, from concept to execution, in a record time of two years, underscored India's commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of technological advancements.

As India continues its journey in space exploration and defence, Mission Shakti stands as a testament to the nation's ingenuity, resilience and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and assets, both on Earth and beyond.

Contributed by: Science Media Communication Cell, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com

(Photo Credit: DRDO and CSIR-NIScPR)

Anti-Satellite Missile: Key Highlights

·         On March 27, 2019, in Mission Shakti, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully neutralised a satellite in space using its anti-satellite (ASAT) missile.

·         The success of the mission showcased DRDO's technical expertise and capability to safeguard the nation's assets in space, the fourth dimension of warfare.

·         The mission represented one of DRDO's most complex operations, requiring a ground-launched missile to precisely hit and neutralise a swiftly moving satellite orbiting hundreds of kilometres away.

·         The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has created a video documentary focusing on Mission Shakti, for children aged 7-14. This documentary is available in English, 11 Indian languages, and 2 sign languages for the hearing impaired, intended for showcasing in schools nationwide.

·         Mission Shakti aims to educate children about the mission itself and India's advancements in space technologies, fostering their interest in science and motivating them to pursue careers in science and technology.

Technical Components of ASAT

1. Kill Vehicle:

·         The top portion of the missile responsible for intercepting and colliding with the satellite.

·         Operates autonomously without the use of explosives.

·         Analogous to a human being, it has specific functions.

2. Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker:

·         Acts as the "eyes" of the kill vehicle.

·         Detects infrared light emitted by the satellite (due to its temperature above absolute zero).

·         Provides continuous tracking information about the satellite's position.

3. On-Board Computer (OBC):

·         The "brain" of the kill vehicle.

·         Receives data from the IIR seeker and information about the kill vehicle's position and velocity from the Inertial Navigation System (INS).

·         Processes this data to determine the precise steering direction.

4. Inertial Navigation System (INS):

·         Tells the OBC the kill vehicle's current position and orientation.

·         Provides critical information for accurate targeting.

5. Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS):

·         Consists of:

·         Four liquid rocket engines for precise movement (left-right, up-down).

·         Eight small rockets at the back of the kill vehicle for orientation.

·         Executes commands from the OBC in an ultra-fast response time (1/100th of a second).

·         Adjusts the kill vehicle's path rapidly (50 to 100 times per second) to hit the satellite with precision.

6. Final Approach:

·         In the last few seconds, the kill vehicle fine tunes its trajectory.

·         Aims to strike the satellite dead centre with a relative velocity of 11 km/sec.

This intricate system combines advanced software, precise sensors, and rapid manoeuvrability to achieve the critical task of neutralising satellites. The DACS ensures that the kill vehicle hits its target with remarkable accuracy, even in the challenging final moments of interception.