x

India launches anti-satellite missile in Space

By Jennifer Y Omiloli

Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister, said India had shot down a satellite in space on Wednesday with an anti-satellite missile, hailing the test as a major breakthrough in its space program. Modi made the announcement in a television address to the nation.

He said India would only be the fourth country to have used such an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China. Such capabilities have raised fears of the weaponization of space and setting off a race between rival powers.

“Some time ago, our scientists, shot down a live satellite 300 kilometers away in space, in low-earth orbit,” Modi said, calling it a historic feat.

“India has made an unprecedented achievement today,” he said, speaking in Hindi. “India registered its name as a space power.”Modi faces a general election next month.

Earlier, he went on Twitter to announce his plan for a national broadcast, saying he had an important announcement to make. India has had a space program for years, making earth imaging satellites and launch capabilities as a cheaper alternative to Western programs.

Brahma Chellaney, a security expert at New Delhi’s Centre of Policy Research, said the United States Russia and China were pursuing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.

“Space is being turned into a battlefront, making counter-space capabilities critical. In this light, India’s successful “kill” with an ASAT weapon is significant.” No comment was immediately available from old rival Pakistan.

Similarly, we are yet to get any immediate reaction from China’s foreign or defense ministries.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Tinubu Appoints Ismael Ahmed as Executive Chairman of Presidential CNG Initiative

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Barrister Ismael Ahmed...

Alleged ₦80.2bn Fraud: EFCC Kicks as Yahaya Bello Seeks Medical Travel Abroad

By Gabriel Udeh The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,...

Why we’re raising concerns over alleged contract scam at NNPCL – Coalition

President Bola Tinubu has been asked to terminate the...

Tinubu Assures Abuja Residents, No More ” One Chance” Attacks

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju President Bola Tinubu has assured Abuja residents...

INEC Sets August 16 for Bye-Elections in 12 States, Resumes Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced August...

Tinubu Hosts Fubara, Wike, Rivers Lawmakers in Fresh Push for Peace

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a closed-door meeting...

Kaduna Govt, SMEDAN Seal N1 Billion Partnership to Support MSMEs

The Kaduna State Government has signed a ₦1 billion...

President Tinubu Appoints Grace Henry as First Female Chair of Nigerian Legion

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Grace Henry, a 60-year-old...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img