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Economic Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
After drones, a new warfare straight out of science fiction
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Space is the new battlefield Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Space warfare: Fiction becomes reality Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads America's 'Golden Dome' is the next frontier in space warfare Recent drone warfare has proved that next battlefields are up in the air. After spectacular drone warfare during India -Pakistan conflict, in which India's anti-drone systems were able to intercept wave after wave of Pakistan's attack drones, Ukraine's Operation Spider Web has shocked the world. The audacious drone assault, carried out with first-person-view (FPV) drones hidden inside trucks, targeted nearly 40 strategic Russian bombers thousands of kilometres from Ukraine, dealing what Ukraine claims is a multibillion-dollar blow to Moscow's long-range strike Operation Spider Web has rewritten the rules of combat. Many think drones have become even more important than fighter jets. But this is just one piece of new-age warfare which bridges the gap between reality and March, a startling revelation made by the US pointed at advancements in space warfare -- Chinese defence satellites had practiced 'dogfights' in low Earth orbits in 2024. United States Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein said, "'With our commercial assets, we have observed five different objects in space maneuvering in and out and around each other in synchronicity and in control. That's what we call dogfighting in space. They are practicing tactics, techniques and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another.'A dogfight is an aerial battle between fighter aircraft conducted at close range. Now, dogfights have reached space too where satellites fight like fighter the satellites involved in the reported military exercise in space, a US military spokesperson confirmed that the 'dogfights' took place in 2024. The officer added that there were five satellites involved with three of them Shiyan-24C experimental satellites while the remaining two were experimental spacecraft, the Shijian-605 A and months later, in May, it was reported that India too practised a sort of dogfight in space. India quietly pulled off a historic space manoeuvre of its own -- one that married sophisticated scientific finesse with nuanced strategic signalling. On its SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully executed a high-speed satellite rendezvous in space, showcasing not only technical capability but future preparedness in the new frontier of orbital SPADEX mission was first initiated to develop autonomous docking and undocking of two satellites, the manoeuvres which are the backbone of long-duration space missions, space station activities and servicing satellites. When the main mission was accomplished, ISRO engineers observed that the two satellites had almost 50% of fuel left, owing to accurate launch calibration and cautious fuel management. This created the possibility for an unintended but ambitious second phase: testing high-speed coordinated manoeuvres in two satellites were manoeuvred into synchronised, high-speed contact at orbital speeds of 28,800 kmph -- approximately 28 times the speed of a commercial airliner. Flying at such velocities, even the slightest miscalculation can result in disastrous consequences, and hence, this was an accomplishment of gigantic technical sophistication. Similar to fighter jets' aerial combat training, the satellites gradually closed in on each other under controlled conditions, pushing the boundaries of orbital control, real-time communication, and autonomous control systems. Although no weapons were used, the exercise replicates the manoeuvring accuracy that would be required in future space 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special announcement that India had successfully tested its first anti-satellite missile system, code-named 'Mission Shakti'. "India has entered its name as an elite space power. An anti-satellite weapon ASAT successfully targeted a live satellite on a low Earth orbit," PM Modi said. He also stated that shooting down a LEO satellite is a rare achievement and was completed successfully within three minutes of is only the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to have such a space warfare capability. Though it lags the three countries in this domain by far, it is making rapid progress. It is working on a "military space doctrine" that will be brought out in a few months, amid China continuing to develop weapons - direct ascent anti-satellite missiles, co-orbital satellites and electronic warfare - to contest or deny access to warfare has evolved from a theoretical concept, and the stuff found in science fiction, into a critical component of modern military strategy. As of 2025, nations like the United States, Russia, China, and India have developed sophisticated capabilities to leverage, defend, and contest space warfare encompasses military strategies and operations conducted in or through outer space. It involves three key parts: space control, to ensure the freedom of operation in space for one's own forces while denying adversaries the same; space denial, to disrupt or destroy an adversary's space assets to degrade their military capabilities; and space exploitation, to utilize space-based assets for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and domains of space warfare include orbital warfare, engaging in actions to destroy or disable satellites; cyber operations, targeting space-based communication and control systems; electronic warfare, jamming or spoofing satellite signals; and kinetic operations, which means physical destruction of space assets using missiles or other proposed 'Golden Dome' marks a dramatic shift in space warfare. Projected to cost $175 billion, the system aims to create a space-based missile defense shield that can detect, track and intercept missiles -- including nuclear ones -- before they reach US soil. If implemented, it would become the world's first active combat infrastructure deployed in orbit, fundamentally altering the nature of space earlier space systems that were passive -- satellites for communication, navigation or surveillance -- the Golden Dome envisions satellites equipped with sensors, interceptors and potentially directed-energy weapons such as lasers. These platforms would neutralize threats in their boost or mid-course phases, forming a constant orbital shield over the US and its argue this is the next logical step in deterrence, especially in an age of hypersonic missiles and unpredictable adversaries. However, the plan has triggered intense concern globally, with rivals such as Russia and China warning that it could dangerously destabilize strategic balance. The most serious worry is that the Golden Dome undermines the principle of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), a cornerstone of nuclear deterrence. If the US can reliably intercept retaliatory missile strikes, it might be perceived as having a first-strike advantage -- a perception that could provoke an arms has responded with sharp criticism, calling the plan a 'dangerous fantasy' that could dismantle existing arms control agreements. Moscow has accelerated the development of hypersonic weapons like the Avangard system, designed to bypass missile defenses. Similarly, China sees the Golden Dome as a direct challenge to its strategic deterrent and is likely to expand its own space and nuclear forces. Beijing has already invested heavily in anti-satellite weapons, maneuverable co-orbital satellites, and electronic warfare systems targeting space an increasingly militarized orbital environment, India too is striving to increase its offensive and defensive capabilities in space.(With inputs from TOI)
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
After drones, a new warfare straight out of science fiction
Recent drone warfare has proved that next battlefields are up in the air. After spectacular drone warfare during India-Pakistan conflict, in which India 's anti-drone systems were able to intercept wave after wave of Pakistan's attack drones, Ukraine's Operation Spider Web has shocked the world. The audacious drone assault, carried out with first-person-view (FPV) drones hidden inside trucks, targeted nearly 40 strategic Russian bombers thousands of kilometres from Ukraine, dealing what Ukraine claims is a multibillion-dollar blow to Moscow's long-range strike capabilities. Ukraine's Operation Spider Web has rewritten the rules of combat. Many think drones have become even more important than fighter jets. But this is just one piece of new-age warfare which bridges the gap between reality and fiction. Space is the new battlefield Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sasha Meneghel já está irreconhecível após sua recente transformação. 33 Bridges Undo In March, a startling revelation made by the US pointed at advancements in space warfare -- Chinese defence satellites had practiced 'dogfights' in low Earth orbits in 2024. United States Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein said, "'With our commercial assets, we have observed five different objects in space maneuvering in and out and around each other in synchronicity and in control. That's what we call dogfighting in space. They are practicing tactics, techniques and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another.' A dogfight is an aerial battle between fighter aircraft conducted at close range. Now, dogfights have reached space too where satellites fight like fighter jets. Live Events Identifying the satellites involved in the reported military exercise in space, a US military spokesperson confirmed that the 'dogfights' took place in 2024. The officer added that there were five satellites involved with three of them Shiyan-24C experimental satellites while the remaining two were experimental spacecraft, the Shijian-605 A and B. Two months later, in May, it was reported that India too practised a sort of dogfight in space. India quietly pulled off a historic space manoeuvre of its own -- one that married sophisticated scientific finesse with nuanced strategic signalling. On its SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully executed a high-speed satellite rendezvous in space, showcasing not only technical capability but future preparedness in the new frontier of orbital defence. The SPADEX mission was first initiated to develop autonomous docking and undocking of two satellites, the manoeuvres which are the backbone of long-duration space missions, space station activities and servicing satellites. When the main mission was accomplished, ISRO engineers observed that the two satellites had almost 50% of fuel left, owing to accurate launch calibration and cautious fuel management. This created the possibility for an unintended but ambitious second phase: testing high-speed coordinated manoeuvres in orbit. The two satellites were manoeuvred into synchronised, high-speed contact at orbital speeds of 28,800 kmph -- approximately 28 times the speed of a commercial airliner. Flying at such velocities, even the slightest miscalculation can result in disastrous consequences, and hence, this was an accomplishment of gigantic technical sophistication. Similar to fighter jets' aerial combat training, the satellites gradually closed in on each other under controlled conditions, pushing the boundaries of orbital control, real-time communication, and autonomous control systems. Although no weapons were used, the exercise replicates the manoeuvring accuracy that would be required in future space wars. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special announcement that India had successfully tested its first anti-satellite missile system, code-named 'Mission Shakti'. "India has entered its name as an elite space power. An anti-satellite weapon ASAT successfully targeted a live satellite on a low Earth orbit," PM Modi said. He also stated that shooting down a LEO satellite is a rare achievement and was completed successfully within three minutes of launch. India is only the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to have such a space warfare capability. Though it lags the three countries in this domain by far, it is making rapid progress. It is working on a "military space doctrine" that will be brought out in a few months, amid China continuing to develop weapons - direct ascent anti-satellite missiles, co-orbital satellites and electronic warfare - to contest or deny access to space. Space warfare: Fiction becomes reality Space warfare has evolved from a theoretical concept, and the stuff found in science fiction, into a critical component of modern military strategy. As of 2025, nations like the United States, Russia, China, and India have developed sophisticated capabilities to leverage, defend, and contest space assets. Space warfare encompasses military strategies and operations conducted in or through outer space. It involves three key parts: space control, to ensure the freedom of operation in space for one's own forces while denying adversaries the same; space denial, to disrupt or destroy an adversary's space assets to degrade their military capabilities; and space exploitation, to utilize space-based assets for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communication. Key domains of space warfare include orbital warfare, engaging in actions to destroy or disable satellites; cyber operations, targeting space-based communication and control systems; electronic warfare, jamming or spoofing satellite signals; and kinetic operations, which means physical destruction of space assets using missiles or other projectiles. America's 'Golden Dome' is the next frontier in space warfare America's proposed 'Golden Dome' marks a dramatic shift in space warfare. Projected to cost $175 billion, the system aims to create a space-based missile defense shield that can detect, track and intercept missiles -- including nuclear ones -- before they reach US soil. If implemented, it would become the world's first active combat infrastructure deployed in orbit, fundamentally altering the nature of space warfare. Unlike earlier space systems that were passive -- satellites for communication, navigation or surveillance -- the Golden Dome envisions satellites equipped with sensors, interceptors and potentially directed-energy weapons such as lasers. These platforms would neutralize threats in their boost or mid-course phases, forming a constant orbital shield over the US and its allies. Supporters argue this is the next logical step in deterrence, especially in an age of hypersonic missiles and unpredictable adversaries. However, the plan has triggered intense concern globally, with rivals such as Russia and China warning that it could dangerously destabilize strategic balance. The most serious worry is that the Golden Dome undermines the principle of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), a cornerstone of nuclear deterrence. If the US can reliably intercept retaliatory missile strikes, it might be perceived as having a first-strike advantage -- a perception that could provoke an arms race. Russia has responded with sharp criticism, calling the plan a 'dangerous fantasy' that could dismantle existing arms control agreements. Moscow has accelerated the development of hypersonic weapons like the Avangard system, designed to bypass missile defenses. Similarly, China sees the Golden Dome as a direct challenge to its strategic deterrent and is likely to expand its own space and nuclear forces. Beijing has already invested heavily in anti-satellite weapons, maneuverable co-orbital satellites, and electronic warfare systems targeting space assets. In an increasingly militarized orbital environment, India too is striving to increase its offensive and defensive capabilities in space.
India.com
28-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
E-Power To The Skies: India Embarks On Indigenous Electric Aircraft Project E-Hansa
In a significant step towards green flying and technological indigenisation, India is going to create 'E-Hansa', a two-seat domestic electric training aircraft, at a cost of Rs 2 crore, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed on Tuesday. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) located in Bengaluru will be responsible for the development of the aircraft. E-Hansa is part of the larger HANSA-3 Next Generation (NG) programme and is intended to be an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient pilot-training alternative. "The E-Hansa will significantly cut costs compared to imported aircraft and is a proud symbol of India's push toward clean energy in aviation," Dr Singh told a high-level review meeting with science department secretaries. "India has initiated the process to develop Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer Aircraft. The new aircraft will be indigenously developed by the #CSIR institute of "National Aerospace Laboratories" (NAL) Bengaluru. It is expected to cost… — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) May 27, 2025 Emphasis On Indigenous Innovation And Public-Private Partnerships The review meeting had deliberations on performance indicators, previous implementation choices, and strategic reforms in the science and technology field. Dr Singh underlined indigenous technologies' commercialisation and called for more robust public-private partnerships (PPP). He instructed the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to incorporate models like DBT-BIRAC and IN-SPACe for effective transfer of technology and private sector participation. He emphasized standardised technology protocols, simplicity in doing business, and innovation under the global ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". ISRO Commended For SPADEX And Operation Sindoor Praising the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr Singh complimented recent success with the SPADEX mission, especially the docking and undocking technology, which will be crucial for the future Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. He also praised the contribution of ISRO towards Operation Sindoor, saying, "Every Indian is proud of ISRO." ISRO is now working with 40 Union Ministries and 28 State Governments and has multiple space missions lined up. India's International Footprint Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be representing India on the Axiom Space Mission, where he will have seven microgravity experiments on board the International Space Station (ISS)—a step that solidifies India's developing international footprint in space studies and international partnerships.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ISRO performs space 'dogfight' with twin satellites 500 kilometres above Earth, showcasing advanced orbital control
Only weeks after the United States sounded the alarm over China's mock "dogfights" in space, India has quietly pulled off a historic space manoeuvre of its own—one that marries sophisticated scientific finesse with nuanced strategic signalling. On its SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) successfully executed a high-speed satellite rendezvous in space, showcasing not only technical capability but future preparedness in the new frontier of orbital defence . Operation Sindoor Three explosions rock Lahore, flight ops temporarily halted Before & after: Satellite images show damage to terror camps in Pak after Op Sindoor Operation Sindoor: 'India is going to ...', says Donald Trump's close ally Laura Loomer in viral post on Twitter ISRO turns SPADEX mission into space dogfight experiment The SPADEX mission was first initiated to develop autonomous docking and undocking of two satellites, SDX 01 and SDX 02, effectively making it possible for spacecraft to link and unlink automatically. Such autonomy is the backbone of long-duration space missions, space station activities, and servicing satellites. When the main mission was accomplished, ISRO engineers observed that the two satellites had almost 50% of fuel left, owing to accurate launch calibration and cautious fuel management. This created the possibility for an unintended but ambitious second phase: testing high-speed coordinated manoeuvres in orbit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo India moves closer to space warfare readiness with dogfight drill In this makeshift extension of the mission, ISRO executed what looked like a space-based dogfight. The two satellites were manoeuvred into synchronised, high-speed contact at orbital speeds of 28,800 kmph—approximately 28 times the speed of a commercial airliner. Flying at such velocities, even the slightest miscalculation can result in disastrous consequences, and hence, this was an accomplishment of gigantic technical sophistication. Similar to fighter jets' aerial combat training, the satellites gradually closed in on each other under controlled conditions, pushing the boundaries of orbital control , real-time communication, and autonomous control systems. Although no weapons were used, the exercise replicates the manoeuvring accuracy that would be required in future space wars. ISRO's orbital test reflects India's rising role in space security ISRO has explained the procedure in purely scientific terms, but timing and capability displayed cannot be dismissed in a global perspective. As recently as a few months back, the US Space Force went on record denouncing China as carrying out provocative orbital manoeuvres and warning against potential militarisation of space. India's version, technologically identical, was implemented in a serene, controlled setting centred on experimentation. Nevertheless, the message is obvious: India has grown to a stage of orbital capability where it can maintain, navigate, and control satellites with tactical sophistication—abilities important for civilian and defence uses in space. ISRO's milestone strengthens India's position in the space race This manoeuvre represents a great landmark for India in the increasingly intensified global struggle to dominate space. Only a very few countries have been able to execute such near-proximity, autonomous satellite activities. India, with this move, has entered that high echelon of exclusive clubs. Further, it strengthens India's plans for deep-space explorations, satellite service technologies, and, in the longer term, its capability to protect its assets in space from the outside world—be they natural or hostile. Also Read | Astronomers discover giant star-forming cloud, 5,000 times larger than the Sun, near our solar system
News18
07-05-2025
- Science
- News18
'Dogfight' In Space At The Speed Of 29,000 kmph: ISRO Shows How It's Done
Last Updated: India's ISRO achieved a milestone with the SPADEX mission, simulating a space dogfight between satellites at 28,800 km/h, showcasing advanced space defense capabilities Just weeks after the United States accused China of simulating a high-stakes 'dogfight' in space, India has quietly pulled off a technological feat of its own, one that not only demonstrates scientific prowess but hints at strategic readiness for the future of orbital defence. Under the ambitious SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved what few nations dare to attempt: two Indian satellites—SDX 01 and SDX 02—were successfully manoeuvred to face one another in orbit, closing in at speeds nearing 29,000 km/h. What followed was nothing short of a simulated space confrontation, conducted with breath-taking precision. Initially launched to test autonomous docking and undocking capabilities, the SPADEX mission had already achieved its primary objectives. However, with nearly half of their onboard fuel reserves still available, ISRO scientists saw an opportunity to push the boundaries further. What they orchestrated next resembled an aerial dogfight, but in the vacuum of space. In an unprecedented move, both satellites were guided to approach each other head-on, mimicking high-speed combat manoeuvres akin to fighter jets locked in a mid-air drill. At an orbital velocity of 28,800 km/h, around 28 times faster than a commercial aircraft, the exercise was described by ISRO as 'technically complex and extraordinarily challenging". This demonstration is more than a marvel of scientific ingenuity; it hints at India's quiet preparation for the evolving domain of space security, often dubbed the next frontier of warfare. Earlier this year, the United States had raised alarm bells, accusing China of weaponising space by simulating dogfights with satellites, an act many viewed as a potential military provocation. In contrast, India's exercise, while echoing the technical nature of such manoeuvres, was conducted in a calm, deliberate, and scientific context. Yet the implications are clear: India now possesses the technological maturity to engage in high-precision orbital operations, asserting itself as a rising power in space defence capabilities. A Stark Contrast With Pakistan While India advances in orbital control and autonomous docking technology, Pakistan continues to rely on China and the United States for basic GPS functionality. Bereft of its own satellite docking infrastructure or deep-space R&D, Islamabad is nowhere near fielding a mission like SPADEX. This successful experiment not only marks a leap forward for India in terms of space exploration and satellite autonomy, it also sends an unmistakable message: India is preparing not just for terrestrial challenges, but for those in orbit as well. First Published: May 07, 2025, 15:08 IST
