India: We’re new space superpower

INDIA declared itself a space superpower yesterday – after shooting down one of its own satellites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said only the US, Russia and China have used antisatellite missiles before. ‘This is a proud moment,’ said Mr Modi, who will fight a general election next month. ‘India has registered its name in the list of space superpowers.’

His comments followed news that the US plans to return to the Moon for the first time since 1972. ‘We’re in a space race today, just as we were in the 1960s,’ Vice President Mike Pence said.