SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step toward enhancing India’s space-based earth observation capabilities, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has shortlisted six consortiums to build and manage a ?1,500 crore constellation of earth observation satellites. The selected consortiums include SatSure, Pixxel, Dhruva Space & PierSight; Ananth Technologies, Solar Group & XDLINX; Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) & Sisir Radar; and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd & Centum.
This ambitious public-private partnership (PPP) project aims to bolster India’s geospatial data infrastructure, catering to both civilian and strategic needs while fostering innovation in the private space sector.
Earth observation satellites play a critical role in monitoring environmental changes, managing natural resources, supporting disaster response, and providing data for defense and security applications. Traditionally, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been the primary provider of such satellite data in India. However, with the growing demand for real-time, high-resolution geospatial data across sectors like agriculture, urban planning, and climate monitoring, the government has recognized the need to involve private players to scale up capabilities.
The ?1,500 crore project envisages the design, construction, launch, and operation of a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). These satellites will be equipped with advanced sensors, including achromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and microwave imaging systems, to generate analysis-ready data for diverse applications. By fostering collaboration between government and private entities, IN-SPACe aims to create a robust ecosystem that complements ISRO’s efforts and positions India as a global leader in space-based data services.
IN-SPACe has issued a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) to the shortlisted consortiums, with the final RFP expected to be released in the latter half of March 2025. The draft RFP outlines the scope of the project, which includes designing and building the satellite constellation, launching the satellites using Indian launch vehicles, monitoring spacecraft health, managing payload data downloads, and processing data to generate actionable insights. The project also emphasizes the use of indigenous technologies and launch systems, aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
To support the winning consortium, the government has committed to providing up to ?350 crore in loans, which must be repaid over the operational period of the constellation. This financial support aims to mitigate the high upfront costs associated with satellite manufacturing and launch, encouraging private investment in the space sector. The last date for submitting financial bids, as per the draft RFP, is reportedly March 31, 2025, after which IN-SPACe will evaluate the proposals and select the final consortium to lead the project.
The ?1,500 crore earth observation satellite constellation project marks a pivotal moment for India’s burgeoning private space industry. By involving private consortiums in such a high-stakes initiative, IN-SPACe is not only addressing the growing demand for geospatial data but also fostering a competitive environment that drives innovation and cost-efficiency. The project aligns with recent government reforms, such as the liberalization of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the space sector and the establishment of a ?1,000 crore venture capital fund managed by IN-SPACe to support startups.
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