On 8th March, 2021 France started its 5-day long 1st Military Exercise in Space, “AsterX” to analyse its ability against attacks on its Satellites & other defence equipment. The exercise was named on the memory of its Astérix, the 1st satellite launched in 1965. Alongside the French Space Forces Command, the new US Space Force and German space agencies also participated in the space exercise.
Note- France is also planning to launch its Anti-Satellite Laser Weapon (ASLW). Already the US, Russia & China possess ASLW.
About the Military Exercise:
i.”AsterX” is the 1st Space Military Exercise of France & also the 1st among European Countries.This military drill is part of the French government’s strategy to make the country the world’s third-largest space power.
ii.The exercise consists of 18 simulated events that are conducted from an operations room.
iii.The Events are designed in a way to Stress test the Space defence system of France.
iv.The French Space Command (French: Commandement de l’Espace , CdE ) was created in 2019 and is set to have 500 personnel by 2025.
Background – In 2017, a “spy-satellite” tried to approach a Franco-Italian satellite, which is called “an act of espionage.”
Note – India Conducted its 1st Simulated Space Warfare Exercise, ‘IndSpaceEx’ in June, 2019.
Recent Related News:
i.ISRO to Launch Venus mission “Shukrayaan-1″ in 2025 with France’s CNRS Participation.
ii.India, France to launch Constellation of Maritime Surveillance Satellites for IOR Region.
About France:
President – Emmanuel Macron
Capital – Paris
Indo-French Military Exercise – “Shakti”
Indo-French Air Exercise – “Desert Knight”
Indo-French Naval Exercise – “Varuna”
