The chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, announced on Thursday that the space agency intends to deploy 50 satellites over the next five years to enhance geo-intelligence collection.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath emphasized that the existing number of satellites in India’s fleet is insufficient and expressed the need for it to be increased to ten times its current size.
The initiative involves deploying a constellation of satellites in various orbits equipped to monitor troop movements and capture high-resolution imagery across vast areas.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief S Somanath revealed on Thursday that the space agency is gearing up to launch 50 satellites within the next five years, with a primary focus on enhancing geo-intelligence gathering capabilities.
Speaking at an event organized by IIT-Bombay, the ISRO chief emphasized the need for India’s satellite fleet to be expanded to “ten times what we have today.” He highlighted the current inadequacy of the satellite infrastructure and stressed the significance of a critical approach in addressing the evolving requirements. Somanath underscored the ability of satellites to surveil national borders and neighboring regions, emphasizing the pivotal role of this capability in understanding the geopolitical landscape.
Quoting Somanath, PTI reported, “We have already configured 50 satellites to be realized in the next five years, and this is going to be launched for India for supporting this particular geo-intelligence capability over the next five years plus (period).” The plan involves launching satellites across different orbits, ranging from geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) to lower earth orbit (LEO), and even very low earth orbit for precise assessments.
Somanath outlined a communication network between satellites, enabling information exchange for comprehensive coverage. He explained the strategy of employing satellites in higher orbits for broad observations and, if necessary, tasking satellites in lower orbits to scrutinize specific areas in detail. The chief also emphasized the goal of extensive imaging, covering thousands of kilometers along India’s borders on a daily basis.
In conclusion, Somanath stressed that India’s current satellite fleet, comprising 54 satellites, falls short of the nation’s aspirations for strength and power. The ambitious plan to launch 50 additional satellites in the coming years aims to significantly bolster India’s geo-intelligence capabilities and overall space capabilities.
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