India is stepping up its space security measures by developing a fleet of “bodyguard” satellites to protect its valuable orbital assets. This move comes in the wake of a recent near-collision incident, where an unidentified satellite from a neighboring country came dangerously close within one kilometer to an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellite operating in low Earth orbit.
The incident has highlighted the growing risks posed by the increasing congestion and potential hostility in space, prompting the Indian government to invest heavily in advanced surveillance and defense technologies. Working closely with innovative startups, India plans to launch a constellation of approximately 50 surveillance satellites by next year, with an initial investment of around $3 billion.
Key among the new technologies are Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) satellites designed to work alongside ground-based radar and telescopes to continuously monitor and track nearby space objects. This layered approach aims to provide early warnings of potential threats and prevent collisions or hostile actions against Indian satellites.
These initiatives form part of India’s broader Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) program, which envisions deploying satellites in both low Earth and geostationary orbits. The government’s push reflects a strategic priority to safeguard its space infrastructure and maintain a competitive edge amid an increasingly contested orbital environment.
As space becomes a critical frontier for national security and technological advancement, India’s proactive steps underscore its commitment to securing its presence in orbit and ensuring uninterrupted access to space-based services.
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