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The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has proposed the idea of having approximately 130 earth observation satellites under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, according to a consultation paper. Industry experts suggest that the requirement for this many satellites is based on the type of imagery needed and the frequency of revisits to specific locations. The consultation paper does not mention the current revenue generated from satellite images or the number of government departments interested in investing in satellites.

Tapan Misra, the Founding Director and Chief Scientist of Sisir Radar Private Ltd, explained that different resolutions of satellite imagery would require varying numbers of satellites. For instance, high-resolution data with a 30cm resolution would require around 90 satellites with a three-day revisit period. On the other hand, high-resolution data with a 1-meter resolution would need approximately 30 satellites with a similar revisit period.

Earth observation satellites are crucial for infrastructure planning, achieving sustainable goals, e-governance, weather prediction, climate monitoring, disaster preparedness, and other applications. IN-SPACe suggests that the PPP model could be followed, where the private sector builds, launches, and maintains the satellite constellation, with the government as the primary customer and funder. It is estimated that India’s geospatial economy will surpass Rs 63,000 crore by 2025 and create over 1 million jobs.

Misra believes that India will require around 300 earth observation satellites in the future to meet the country’s growing needs. He also highlights the need for surveillance and reconnaissance satellites, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, and low earth communication satellites for 5G and 6G applications. Misra proposes building 240 to 300 earth observation satellites and 200 SAR satellites over the next decade. Additionally, he suggests maintaining an inventory of 60 to 100 high throughput satellites as a strategic backup, along with 30 satellites in geostationary orbit for weather prediction and land/ocean surveillance.

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