Anti-Satellite Test (ASAT)
Author: Tianjiang Shuo
Source: Feng Songjiang, et al. (2021) "Analysis of India's Space Power Development and Strategic Priorities" [in Chinese]
Website: https://cislunarspace.cn
Definition
An Anti-Satellite Test (ASAT) is a test activity that destroys an on-orbit satellite through a ground-based missile direct-ascent co-planar collision. ASAT is a major indicator of space militarization, demonstrating that a nation possesses the capability to physically destroy adversary satellites. On March 27, 2019, India launched a ground-based ballistic missile from Wheeler Island in Odisha, successfully conducting its first ground-based ASAT test and destroying the Microsat-R satellite orbiting at an altitude of 266~290 km.
Technical Approach
The technical approach used in India's ASAT test:
- Intercept Method: Direct-ascent co-planar collision
- Launch Platform: Ground-based ballistic missile
- Launch Site: Wheeler Island, Odisha
- Target Satellite: Microsat-R, orbiting at 266~290 km altitude
- Test Result: The test was successful; the satellite was destroyed
Capability Significance
The success of India's ASAT test demonstrates:
- India has acquired an initial hard-kill capability against overhead LEO satellites
- India has achieved a major breakthrough in space militarization
- India has become the fourth nation with ground-based ASAT capability after the United States, Russia, and China
ASAT Capability Development Roadmap
According to India's Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2010--2025:
| Phase | Timeline | Capability Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Near-term | Before 2020 | Deploy kinetic-kill floating interceptors |
| Mid-term | After 2022 | Develop ASAT weapons capable of physically destroying LEO and GEO satellites |
| Far-term | After 2027 | Field 4 ASAT missile systems |
Strategic Impact
ASAT capability has far-reaching effects on the space security landscape:
- Space Arms Race: May trigger a new round of space arms competition
- Space Debris: Generates large amounts of space debris, threatening normally operating satellites
- International Law: Poses challenges to existing international space law
- Operational Concepts: Advances the transition of space warfare from theory to practice
Related Concepts
References
- Feng Songjiang, Chang Zhuang, Wang Qian. "Analysis of India's Space Power Development and Strategic Priorities" [in Chinese][J]. 2021.
- Si Jia. "How Capable Is India's Anti-Satellite System" [in Chinese][N]. China Youth Daily, 2019-04-04.