In a significant announcement on Thursday, S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), revealed India’s ambitious plan to deploy 50 satellites over the next five years, aiming to bolster its geo-intelligence capabilities. This strategic initiative involves placing satellites in various orbits to monitor troop movements and capture high-resolution images of vast areas.
Addressing the audience at ‘Techfest,’ an annual science and technology event hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), Somanath emphasized the need for a more substantial satellite fleet to fulfill India’s aspirations of becoming a formidable nation. He asserted that the current satellite count should be increased tenfold to meet these ambitious goals as reported by Business Today.
Moreover, Somanath stressed the importance of enhancing satellite capabilities to detect changes, advocating for a more data-driven and artificial intelligence (AI) approach in data analysis. The goal is to optimize data processing, minimize downloads, and focus on extracting only essential information.
Highlighting the potential of spacecraft in border surveillance and monitoring neighboring regions, the ISRO chief underlined the pivotal role of satellites in understanding and responding to national security threats. He remarked, “The power of any nation lies in its ability to understand what is happening around it.”
Quoting Somanath said, “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).”
Somanath outlined a comprehensive strategy for deploying satellites across various orbits, ranging from geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) to lower earth orbit (LEO) and even very low earth orbit. This approach enables critical assessment of different situations and facilitates communication between satellites for enhanced monitoring capabilities.
“If India can execute the launch of satellites on this scale, it will significantly improve our ability to mitigate threats to the country,” Somanath remarked.
The ISRO chief’s vision involves establishing a communication network between satellites. If a satellite detects a situation from a geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometers, it can relay information to another satellite in a lower orbit for more detailed scrutiny, ensuring a comprehensive and layered surveillance system.
Despite India’s current satellite fleet consisting of 54 units, Somanath expressed dissatisfaction, stating that it is “just not enough” for a nation aspiring to be powerful and strong. The proposed satellite expansion aligns with India’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities and strengthening national security through cutting-edge technology.
As India sets its sights on this ambitious satellite deployment plan, the global space community will undoubtedly watch closely to witness the realization of these groundbreaking initiatives in the years to come.
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