INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has established a facility in Bengaluru to manufacture high-resolution imagery satellites for the armed
This move is aimed at enhancing surveillance capabilities in border areas - a big bet on the military space sector
According to an ET report, the facility will produce sub-metre resolution satellites and will include a ground station for satellite control
and image processing.The ground station will be capable of directing their movement and processing imagery, necessary for the armed forces
to oversee infrastructure or acquire military targets.This development comes after the defence ministry challenged Indian industry to create
satellites with metre and sub-metre resolution for military purposes.The manufacturing facility, built in partnership with Satellogic, a
Latin American company specializing in earth observation satellites, will have the capacity to produce up to 24 low earth orbit (LEO)
The first Indian-made satellite, with a spatial resolution of 0.5 metres, is expected to be ready for launch within six months
The images will be delivered with a spatial resolution of 0.5 meters.Eye in the skyTASL CEO and MD Sukaran Singh emphasized the need for
high-resolution imagery satellites in Indian defence applications
This initiative is a significant step towards building indigenous capabilities in this field, he said
TASL will capitalize on its partnership with Satellogic to leverage their expertise and experience.Currently, the armed forces rely on
satellite imagery from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and obtain commercial images from foreign companies when required
However, the need for increased surveillance of extended border areas has prompted the armed forces to explore additional options
The establishment of a ground station within India will enhance operational security and enable the acquisition of images in areas of
The procurement of imagery from foreign entities has gone up particularly following recent events along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
with China.BrahMos missile: Story of World's Fastest Supersonic Cruise Missile | BrahMos Export | BrahMos NGIn these scenarios, the
coordinates of the monitored area must be shared with foreign entities to obtain the required images
Establishing a ground station within India would enhance the security of operations, particularly in areas of interest requiring target
acquisition.Read From ET | Tata plans for satellitesTASL plans to utilize its expertise in system integration, electronics, and software to
develop satellites with different payloads to meet future defence requirements
The company also aims to localize the production process and develop indigenous payloads.In addition to satellite manufacturing, TASL
already offers a range of products for the armed forces, including loitering munitions, UAV control centres, artillery systems, and
The company is also collaborating with Airbus to produce C-295 military transport aircraft.
