Usman Haider
Modern warfare requires enhanced space-based sensors capable of monitoring events happening on Earth in real time. To this end, India has recently commenced phase three of its Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) program. Under this initiative, it will place 52 surveillance and communication satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geo-stationary Orbit (GEO). The ambitious project is part of New Delhi’s strategy to reduce reliance on foreign countries (like the United States and Israel) and to build an indigenous constellation of space-based sensors. Once functional, the SBS-III will significantly augment India’s space-based surveillance capability.
The SBS-I was formally initiated in 2001 with the launch of four satellites belonging to the Cartosat and Risat series. These satellites aimed at monitoring adversary forces’ maneuvers along the borders as well as important military facilities, including supply depots, airbases, and cantonments. The one meter resolution imagery produced by the satellites was accurate enough to provide important information during the India-Pakistan military standoff in 2001-02. Following the success of the SBS-I, India went ahead with its successor, the SBS-II, in 2013, consisting of six surveillance satellites, including Cartosat-2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, Microsat 1, and Risat 2A.
For the latest version, the SBS-III, India has earmarked $3.2 billion to build new-generation satellites over the next decade. India’s state-owned space agency will manufacture the initial package of 21 satellites, while the private sector is being invited to build the remaining 31. The new sensors will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), enabling them to interact with each other. India is also expected to launch quantum satellites in the next two to three years. Under the SBS-III package, India may collaborate with France to manufacture next-generation spy satellites. In addition to the space sensors, the requisite support infrastructure on the ground will also be expanded.
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