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ASAT test: the test has increased the risk for the ISS by more than 40%, said the head of NASA (File Photo)
The successful test of an anti-satellite missile (ASAT) by India last month, when it shot down a satellite in space, sparked mixed reactions at the international level. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the test a "Shakti mission", "a great moment for India", the US NASA space agency has called the test "terrible". The test had created several space debris and posed a danger to astronauts aboard the International Space Station or the ISS, said Jim Bridenstine, director of NASA. The test increased the risk for the ISS by more than 40%, said Mr Bridenstine.
The head of NASA said he has created about 400 orbital debris, of which 60 have been tracked so far. Indian officials said the satellite had been destroyed at a relatively low altitude of 300 km in order to minimize the impact of space debris, but Bridenstine said 24 of these pieces "were flying overhead." 39, climax of the International Space Station ".
Calling NASA's response an "overreaction", Wing Commander Astronaut (Retired) Rakesh Sharma played down the risks for the ISS. "I do not believe that the risk factor increases significantly," said Wing Commander Sharma, who in 1984 became the first Indian to venture into space.
Wing Commander Sharma was part of Russia's Soyuz T-11 space mission (formerly the USSR). The expedition was launched on April 2, 1984 and he spent nearly 8 days in space.
Sending to NDTV, Wing Commander Sharma answered questions about the extent to which space debris threatens astronauts at the International Space Station.
Q) What was your first reaction when you heard about the ASAT test from India last month?
A: While I was aware of our successful Ballistic Missile Development (BMD) and Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), information on the ASAT test I've taken it by surprise. I did not know the progress we had made in goal acquisition and in the direction of the phase of the impact of this technology. In short, the news filled me with pride, knowing the enormity of the achievement on the technological level.
Q) Was this a necessary step? a step in the right direction for India?
A: yes and yes. We now have the ability to deal with the "bad" eye in the space.
Q) Does this lead to a militarization of space?
A: Yes, but a militarization of the defensive type.
Q) Was a direct climb direct hit test the best solution or would a laser gun or block have been better?
A: We must first cut our teeth with this type of weapon before moving on to more sophisticated weapons. Let's hope the war itself goes out of style (because it's bad for business) before we need to climb the ladder.
Q) If you were an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), after hearing about ASAT, would you be more worried? Does the test increase the risk?
A: I do not think the risk factor has increased significantly. The test was conducted about 100 kilometers shorter than the orbital height of the ISS. Micrometeorites and solar flares are always present dangers and are part of the hostile environment in which inhabited spatial activity is systematically undertaken. The chances of debris being projected 100 km above the height of the interception test are low or non-existent.
Q) Has the head of NASA overreacted when he described India's test as "terrible thing"?
A: I think so. I have not heard any other member state working on the ISS, expressing a similar feeling.
Q) Will the "Shakti Mission" lead to a safer India and will we be able to more effectively protect India's space resources?
A: without a doubt.
Q) What should be the next step, more ASAT tests or spatial doctrine development?
A: I do not think more tests would be needed to operationalize the system based on this type of technology. With regard to the doctrine of space, certainly yes (there should be one) in order to put in place a credible, integrated and operationally effective command and control center.
Q) Is India securing a place on the "high table" to negotiate how the space will be used in the future?
A: Ensuring a place on the "high table" is one thing and I think the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) won a place some time ago. But now, I think we are in a position to hit the table and make ourselves heard in the negotiation of international policy governing the use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Q) Is' Mission Shakti & # 39; and Gaganyaan can go together, or are we endangering our astronaut program?
A: I do not see any conflict here. Funding constraints are unlikely. The allocations have already been made. If you are referring to the denial of training facilities overseas for our gagglers, it is unlikely to happen. In the worst case, the Gaganyaan project could be delayed and not derailed.
Q) Is India now in need of a full "space command"?
A: he does; as urgently as he needs a Chief of the Defense Staff. I suppose the National Security Advisor (NSA) and his newly formed Defense Planning Committee will now be tasked with putting it in place because they are the ones and not the Chief of the Defense Staff. who are now responsible for the security of our country.
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