India Plans 50 Ambitious Satellite Launch for Geo-Intelligence Gathering
Mumbai, December 28, 2023 – Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath revealed today that India is set to embark on a substantial satellite launch initiative, aiming to deploy 50 satellites in the next five years defended to geo-intelligence gathering. This effort involves establishing a layered satellite network in various orbits, enabling the tracking of troop movements and comprehensive imaging of vast territories.
Somanath addressed the regulars at ‘Techfest,’ an yearly science and technology event organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, emphasizing the need to enhance satellite capabilities in detecting changes. He stressed the importance of incorporating strained intelligence (AI) and a data-driven tideway for efficient data analysis, reducing unnecessary data downloads and focusing on essential information.
Highlighting the significance of satellite observation, Somanath noted that spacecraft can powerfully monitor national confines and neighboring regions, providing a strategic advantage. He emphasized the evolving perspective on satellite usage, urging a increasingly hair-trigger viewing due to its pivotal role in a nation’s worthiness to comprehend its surroundings.
“We have once configured 50 satellites to be realized in the next five years, and this initiative will support India’s geo-intelligence capabilities over the next five-plus years,” stated the ISRO chief. He underscored that launching satellites at this scale would significantly enhance the country’s worthiness to mitigate potential threats.
Somanath outlined a groundbreaking approach, detailing a satellite layer spanning from geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) to lower earth orbit (LEO), including very low earth orbit for hair-trigger situational assessment. This innovation encompasses various technologies, such as optical, synthetic vent radar (SAR), and thermal imaging.
The ISRO chairman emphasized the importance of inter-satellite communication, permitting for comprehensive situational analysis. This includes coordinating observations between satellites in variegated orbits, providing a multi-layered and detailed perspective for constructive response strategies.
India’s current satellite fleet, comprising 54 units, falls short of the would-be goals set by the nation’s aspiration to wilt a powerful and strong force. Somanath emphasized that the satellite squadron should ideally be ten times its current size to meet the evolving demands of the nation.
In conclusion, Somanath highlighted the tremendous sufficiency that India aims to build with the launch of these satellites in the next five years, enabling the coverage of thousands of kilometers of territory, including the comprehensive monitoring of national confines on a daily basis.
(PTI)
