India's Strategic Satellite Launch Plans
India is set to significantly enhance its national security capabilities by launching over 50 spy satellites and incorporating night-time imaging to address surveillance gaps experienced during a border conflict with Pakistan.
Key Initiatives
- Satellite Launch and Technology Upgrades
- Transition from electro-optical radar to synthetic aperture radar for better imaging in dark and cloudy conditions.
- Fast-tracking of the first 52 satellites under Space-Based Surveillance-3 to improve monitoring frequency.
- Plans to launch up to 150 new satellites, with an estimated cost of Rs 26,000 crore ($2.8 billion).
- International Ground Station Development
- Proposals to establish ground stations in regions including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Scandinavia, pending local government approval.
- Data Relay and Bodyguard Satellites
- Enhancements for data transfer between satellites without ground station dependency.
- Development of bodyguard satellites to counter threats to orbiting spacecraft.
Lessons from Past Conflicts
- During the confrontation with Pakistan, India identified shortcomings in its satellite capabilities, notably the inability to capture night images.
- Reliance on satellite data from US companies highlighted the need for independent capabilities.
- China's assistance to Pakistan underscored the strategic importance of satellite technology.
Current Satellite Capabilities and Industry Involvement
- India currently has over 100 satellites in orbit, compared to Pakistan's eight.
- Involvement of private sector startups like Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. to bolster space-based monitoring capabilities.
- ISRO's mixed performance with recent rocket launches but successful deployment of satellites for international clients, such as US-based AST SpaceMobile.
