Why in news?
India plans to launch dozens of satellites over the next decade for communications, navigation, weather forecasting and defence. After a near‑collision with a foreign spacecraft in 2024 and increasing reports of space debris and jamming attacks, the government began exploring “bodyguard satellites” that could accompany and safeguard high‑value assets in orbit.
Background and context
India’s space programme has grown rapidly since the 1970s. The country now relies on satellites for crop insurance, digital payments, disaster alerts and national security. However, the crowded orbital environment poses new threats. Thousands of defunct spacecraft and fragments of exploded rockets circle Earth at high speed, and some countries have tested anti‑satellite missiles. Solar storms and cyber intrusions add further hazards. India has already begun building a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) infrastructure, including:
- IS4OM centre: A hub in Bengaluru monitors space objects and predicts collisions.
- Project NETRA: Indigenous radars and telescopes track debris and warn satellites to manoeuvre.
- Aditya‑L1 mission: An observatory launched to study the Sun and issue early warnings of geomagnetic storms.
- Cybersecurity guidelines: The CERT‑In agency issued norms for securing satellites against hacking and spoofing.
- Debris‑free pledges: ISRO aims to avoid creating new junk and plans to de‑orbit old satellites responsibly by 2030.
The idea of bodyguard satellites
A bodyguard satellite is a small craft that stays close to a larger, high‑value satellite. It can detect approaching objects, jamming attempts or suspicious manoeuvres and alert ground controllers. In an emergency it might physically nudge debris away or deploy counter‑measures. The concept is inspired by similar plans in the United States and Europe and would place India among a handful of nations with active satellite protection systems.
Issues and challenges
- Technological complexity: Autonomous monitoring, accurate propulsion and collision‑avoidance require advanced sensors and artificial intelligence.
- High cost: Building and maintaining a fleet of protective satellites will be expensive, especially for a public sector space programme.
- Legal and geopolitical implications: Deploying satellites that could interfere with other nations’ assets may raise suspicion and demands adherence to international space treaties.
- Cybersecurity risks: Bodyguard systems themselves could become targets of hacking, making robust encryption essential.
- Space sustainability: Adding more spacecraft to crowded orbits could worsen congestion unless well managed.
The way ahead
- Indigenous SSA technology: India should expand its radar and telescope network to monitor space debris independently.
- Anti‑jamming and encryption: Investing in secure communication links and hardened electronics will make satellites less vulnerable.
- Public–private collaboration: Partnerships with private start‑ups can accelerate innovation in small satellites and AI‑based control systems.
- International cooperation: Sharing data with global SSA networks and participating in rules on responsible behaviour in space can reduce misunderstandings.
- Defensive posture: Satellite protection should focus on safety and collision avoidance rather than offensive capabilities.
Protecting vital space infrastructure is no longer optional. A combination of technological vigilance, legal prudence and global collaboration will help India secure its satellites without triggering an arms race.