India’s TATA Group Plans to Launch Indigenously Developed Spy Satellite via SpaceX
India’s TATA Group, in collaboration with SpaceX, is gearing up to launch an indigenously developed spy satellite. The radar imaging satellite (RISAT), built by TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the defense arm of TATA Group, will be operated from Bengaluru, Karnataka. This strategic move aims to bolster India’s radar imaging satellite fleet from 12 to 16, enhancing the country’s operational secrecy and the ability to monitor infrastructure and military targets.
In the past, India relied on intelligence data from foreign sources, particularly the United States. However, the nation has completed the construction of the RISAT satellite independently and has sent it to the US for launch preparations. The state-of-the-art TASL plant in Bengaluru, with an annual production capacity of 25 satellites, has also entered into an agreement with the Karnataka government for further investments in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Given the escalating tensions along its eastern border with China, India has increased its purchase of satellite imagery from foreign nations. The operationalization of the indigenous RISAT satellite could potentially lead friendly nations to place orders for imagery, with TASL already receiving inquiries.
Last December, Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organization, revealed plans to launch multiple layers of satellites in different orbits to monitor troop movements along the borders with China and Pakistan. India aims to launch an additional 50 satellites over the next five years, strengthening its geo-intelligence capabilities.
The development of the RISAT-2, which began in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, marked India’s first reconnaissance satellite dedicated to border surveillance, anti-infiltration, and counter-terrorism operations. However, this satellite was decommissioned in October 2022. The RISAT-2B and RISAT-2BR1, launched in May 2019 and December 2019, respectively, were designed with a mission life of five years and equipped with high-resolution spot imaging capabilities.
Meanwhile, China has been actively expanding its electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite capabilities. The United States Defense Department reported in October 2023 that China aims to enhance its monitoring, tracking, and targeting capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Note: This article was written in the journalistic style of Bloomberg.
Analyst comment
Positive news: India’s TATA Group plans to launch an indigenously developed spy satellite via SpaceX, enhancing India’s radar imaging satellite fleet. This move will strengthen India’s operational secrecy and ability to monitor infrastructure and military targets. It could also lead to orders from friendly nations, boosting TASL’s aerospace and defense sectors. Market impact: Potential growth in the satellite industry and increased demand for indigenous satellite technology.
