#MissionShakti successful; India now an elite space power: PM Modi
In a surprise address on Wednesday, PM Narendra Modi has made an announcement about the country's successful "Mission Shakti" space operation. He said India has now joined the US, Russia, and China as an elite space power as the country's anti-satellite (A-SAT) has successfully targeted a live satellite 300km away on a low earth orbit (LEO) within three minutes of launch. Here's more.
Here's what PM Modi said about the mission
#Watch PM Narendra Modi's special address
India, fourth nation in the world to do so: PM
"India today shot down a low orbit live satellite, becoming the fourth nation in the world to have the capability to do so," PM Modi said in his address. He said Indian scientists have destroyed the live satellite in the lower earth orbit, adding that they have completed a very difficult and high-tech task as part of "Mission Shakti".
Mission Shakti, an important step towards India's safety: PM Modi
PM Modi said, "'Mission Shakti' operation was a difficult target to achieve which was completed successfully within three minutes of launch. 'Mission Shakti' is an important step towards securing India's safety, economic growth and technological advancement."
PM Modi thanks scientists; says entire effort is indigenous
While making the announcement about Mission Shakti, PM Modi also said that the "entire effort is indigenous". Congratulating the entire nation on this huge achievement, he also thanked the scientists involved for their contribution. "Today, we have enough satellites that are contributing in various segments such as agriculture, disaster management, communication, weather, navigation, etc.," he said.
India against arms raised in space: PM to international community
In his address on Mission Shakti, PM Modi said that the A-SAT missile will give a new boost to India's space programme. He also said, "I assure the international community that our capability won't be used against anyone but is purely India's defense initiative for its security." He added, "We're against arms raised in space. This test won't breach any international law or treaties."
The mission shows dexterity of India's outstanding scientists
In a series of tweets, PM Modi said, the highly complex Mission Shakti was "conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision" which shows the "dexterity of India's outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme." Mission Shakti is special as India has become only the fourth country to "acquire such a specialized and modern capability," the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.
India stands tall as a space power, says PM Modi
PM Modi tweeted, "India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony." Meanwhile, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "India is moving fast towards becoming a world leader, and under PM Modi's leadership, it is on its way to not only become a 'super economic power', but also a 'super science power'."
