PM Modi took everyone by surprise when he made an unexpected broadcast to the nation yesterday. Turns out he had big news to share, and it was every bit as unexpected.

The lead up: Around 10:50 am, the PM’s Twitter handle cryptically declared: “I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message.” It immediately sparked great speculation—as it is two weeks to the election—and a lot of funny memes. All of which proved to be entirely off the mark.

What did he say? The PM announced that India has successfully tested an anti-satellite missile or ASAT (pronounced A-Sat), claiming “India today registered its name as a ‘Space Power’.” He was also careful to emphasise the missiles “do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone.”

Tell me more about ASATs: Satellites are used for communications, early-warning systems, reconnaissance etc. A weapon that can jam enemy satellites or destroy them is a significant military asset in times of war. Other countries like Israel possess anti-satellite capabilities, but only three others have tested their ASATs: The US, Russia and China.

Tell me about the test: Dubbed Mission Shakti, the missile was launched from a yet unknown location. It took out a medium-sized military imaging satellite that was launched in January by the DRDO. It was in a Low Earth Orbit at around 300 km above earth. The entire test lasted three minutes.

So is this test a big deal? An ASAT is a powerful weapon in any nation’s arsenal and requires highly sophisticated technology. So this ‘Made in India’ moment is naturally a source of national pride. Then again, as experts point out, India has possessed ASAT capabilities for nearly a decade as part of its Ballistic Missile Defence programme. But the UPA government never greenlit an actual test—which has both potential pluses and minuses.  

The downside of testing: The biggest problem with testing ASATs is the dangerous space debris left behind. For example, when China tested its missile at 800 km in 2007, it generated 2600-plus pieces of debris, later destroying a Russian satellite. There was widespread diplomatic criticism, and China has since ensured its tests are debris-free. The US response to India’s test was hence to warn, “You cannot make (space) unstable. We cannot create the debris problem that ASAT tests create. So, thoughtfulness goes a long way."

Did we make a mess? According to the government press release, the Indian test was conducted at a lower altitude so the debris quickly enters the Earth’s atmosphere and burns up. Some argue that a fly-by test—where the missile merely passes the target satellite—would have been a better option, and would have demonstrated far superior technology.

Then again…: The counter-argument from some leading experts is: “You have to check the reliability of your technology and that can be ensured only through a test. Besides, you also have to demonstrate your technological capability. We have now proven this capability. With today’s test, we are telling the world, and our potential adversary, that we have this capability.”

What about the timing? Opposition leaders, while praising the DRDO, unanimously condemned the test as an election stunt. They have asked the Election Commission to look into whether the Prime Minister’s broadcast violated the Model Code of Conduct—which prohibits the ruling party from using the government to further its electoral prospects. The EC has set up a committee to do so.

Learn more: Here’s a lot more if you want it:

• The Wire has the most details on the test and India’s ASAT technology.

• Indian Express sums up the argument for testing the capability.

• The Verge has the best piece on the debris factor.

• This older piece from The Diplomat offers an excellent analysis of the geopolitical pros and cons of ASAT testing for India. The Space Review offers a harsher take on the same.

• Scroll rounds up international coverage of the strike.

• The best meme on the wild speculation about Modi’s broadcast is here. Cricket fans will be pleased.