MIRV: Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle
- In March 2019, India successfully tested its ASAT missile.
- The ASAT missile destroyed a live satellite in Low Earth orbit (283-kilometre).
- As per DRDO, the missile is capable of shooting down targets moving at a speed of 10 km per second at an altitude as high as 1200 km.
There are 2 kinds of Missiles, Ballistic and Cruise
Ballistic Missiles | Cruise Missiles |
It follows a ballistic trajectory with the objective of delivering one or more warheads to a predetermined target. | It is a guided missile that remains in the atmosphere and flies the major portion of its flight path at approximately constant speed. |
Target is predetermined. Fit for large targets. | Target can be mobile. More appropriate for small mobile targets. |
Guided only during relatively brief periods of flight and the rest of its trajectory is unpowered and governed by gravity. | Are self-navigating |
High altitude. Easy to track | Able to fly in extremely low-altitude trajectory. Makes it difficult to track |