Question

Consider the following statements about Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile:

1. It is a part of Mission Shakti which is a joint program of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
2. For a country to have such a capability, it must be a member of Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Option A - 1 Only

■ Explanation :-

• Statement 2 is incorrect :- For a country to have such a capability, membership of NPT is not mandatory.

More Information

■ Mission Shakti :-

• Mission Shakti is a joint program of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• As part of the mission, an anti-satellite (A-SAT) weapon was launched and targeted an Indian satellite which had been decommissioned. Mission Shakti was carried out from DRDO’s testing range in Odisha’s Balasore.

• For a country to have such a capability, membership of NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) is not mandatory.

¤ Significance :-

• India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialized and modern capability, and the entire effort is indigenous. Till now, only the US, Russia and China had the capability to hit a live target in space.

• Communication satellites, earth observation satellites, experimental satellites, navigation satellites, along with satellites meant for scientific research and exploration, academic studies and other small satellites. India’s space program is a critical backbone of India’s security, economic and social infrastructure.

• The test was done to verify that India has the capability to safeguard our space assets.

• It is the Government of India’s responsibility to defend the country’s interests in outer space.

__________

Answer 2

Consider the following statements about Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile:

1. It is a part of Mission Shakti which is a joint program of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

2. For a country to have such a capability, it must be a member of Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2