From Tata Sky to Tata 'Spy': SpaceX to launch 'Made in India' radar imaging satellite by Tata Advanced Systems
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Indian Spy Satellite Launch Set for April
India is preparing to launch a domestically manufactured spy satellite from a SpaceX facility in Florida, owned by Elon Musk, in April, said media reports.
Expansion of RISAT Fleet
The new satellite will bolster India's radar imaging satellite (RISAT) fleet, increasing the count from 12 satellites in 2019 to 16, enhancing the country's surveillance capabilities.
Manufacturer and Operations Base
Built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the defence and aerospace arm of Tata Group, the satellite will be operated from Bengaluru, Karnataka, ensuring operational secrecy for India's surveillance efforts.
Surveillance Objectives
The satellite is designated for monitoring infrastructure and acquiring military targets, augmenting India's security measures.
Reduction of Reliance on Foreign Sources
Despite possessing sub-meter resolution satellites, India has previously depended on intelligence data from foreign sources, a gap the new satellite aims to address.
Launch Preparations in the US
The completed satellite has been sent to the US for launch preparations, marking a significant milestone in India's indigenous satellite capabilities.
Production Capacity and Investments
Tata Advanced Systems Limited's plant in Bengaluru has the capacity to produce 25 satellites annually, with plans for further investments in the aerospace and defence sectors through an agreement with the Karnataka government.
Geo-Intelligence Expansion
With tensions rising along India's eastern border with China, the country seeks to expand its satellite fleet to monitor troop movements, aiming to launch an additional 50 satellites over the next five years.
Background of RISAT Series
The development of the RISAT series began following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, with RISAT-2 marking India's inaugural dedicated reconnaissance satellite for border surveillance and counter-terrorism operations.
Regional Strategic Implications
India's advancements in satellite capabilities come amidst China's expansion of electronic and signals intelligence satellite capabilities, potentially affecting regional dynamics, as highlighted by a report from the US Defence Department.