In News:

• ‘AntarikshaAbhyas – 2024’ is a three-day space exercise held from November 11-13, 2024, hosted by the Defence Space Agency (DSA), Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
• The exercise is the first of its kind and focuses on war-gaming the growing threats to space-based assets and services.

Objective of the Exercise:

• Enhance understanding of space-based assets and their operational dependencies.
• Identify vulnerabilities in military operations in case of denial or disruption of space services.
• Integrate India's space capabilities in military operations to secure national strategic objectives.

Participants:

• Defence Space Agency (DSA) and its allied units.
• Personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Specialist agencies under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, including:
  • Defence Cyber Agency (DCA)
  • Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
  • Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
• Representatives from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation).

Focus Areas:

• Space-based asset and service operational dependency.
• Securing national interests in space through technological innovation and development.
• Assessing space service vulnerabilities and impacts on military operations.