Protecting India’s Satellites

Syllabus: Science & Technology (UPSC GS III)
Source: TH

Context

India has approved a ₹27,000-crore programme to launch 52 surveillance satellites from 2026.
Reports suggest India is also considering “bodyguard satellites” to protect its space assets after near-miss incidents.

Why Protect Satellites?

1. Vital Role
   • Satellites support communication, navigation (NavIC), weather forecasts, internet, defence, and surveillance, making them critical for national security and the economy.
2. Multiple Threats
   • Risks include space debris, collisions, hostile manoeuvres, jamming, spoofing, cyber attacks, and solar storms that can disrupt or destroy satellites.
3. High Costs
   • Launching and maintaining satellites involves billions of rupees; protection ensures return on investment and strategic autonomy.

Initiatives Taken

• IS4OM Centre (Bengaluru): Tracks satellites, issues collision alerts, and guides manoeuvres.
• Project NETRA: Expands space surveillance using radars and telescopes for indigenous situational awareness.
• Aditya-L1 Mission: Observes the sun to forecast solar storms that can damage satellites.
• CERT-In Guidelines (2025): Enforce strong encryption, network segmentation, and cyber hygiene for satellite security.
• IN-SPACe Licensing: Ensures private firms maintain safety standards.
• Debris-Free Space Mission (2030): Commitment to avoid creating orbital debris and adopt sustainable space practices.

Bodyguard Satellites

Purpose: Special satellites that escort and shield high-value Indian satellites from threats.

• Monitor Close Approaches: Detect debris or foreign satellites approaching dangerously.
• Warn Against Hostile Moves: Identify suspicious shadowing or proximity operations.
• Physical Intervention: Reposition themselves or protected satellites to prevent collisions or jamming.
• Global Alignment: Follows trends of other major space powers developing proximity and protection satellites.

Challenges

1. Technological: Requires advanced sensors, AI-based autonomy, and precision manoeuvres.
2. Financial: High costs demand sustained budget allocation.
3. Cybersecurity: Ground stations remain vulnerable to hacking or spoofing.
4. Geopolitical: Defensive satellites may trigger mistrust or arms race.
5. Sustainability: Protection must not worsen space debris or overcrowding.

Way Ahead

• Indigenous SSA Tech: Develop LiDAR-based and radar satellites to track debris and threats.
• Anti-Jamming Systems: Encrypted signals, hardened waveforms, and autonomous avoidance tech.
• Public–Private Partnerships: Encourage innovation from start-ups and private industry.
• Global Engagement: Participate in COPUOS, IADC, and multilateral forums for responsible space conduct.
• Defensive-First Strategy: Focus on non-weaponised, sustainable protection measures.

Conclusion

Protecting satellites is now a strategic imperative for India’s security and economy. A layered approach combining technology, governance, and diplomacy can secure orbital assets while ensuring peaceful and sustainable use of space.