New Delhi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman V Narayanan during an event in Agartala on Sunday said that at least ten satellites are working round-the-clock for strategic purposes to ensure the nation’s safety and security. His disclosure came after India and Pakistan agreed to halt hostilities after days of intense attack and counterattacks by the neighbours.
Narayanan was speaking at the 5th convocation ceremony of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Agartala. The ISRO chief underscored the critical role of space-based surveillance in safeguarding India’s borders and coastlines. “If we want to ensure the safety of our country, we have to serve through our satellites. We have to monitor our 7,000 km seashore areas and our northern frontiers. Without satellite and drone technology, we can’t achieve that,” he said.
Dedicated surveillance satellites
India currently operates nearly a dozen dedicated surveillance satellites, including those from the Cartosat and RISAT series, as well as EMISAT and MicroSat series, which are designed for high-resolution imaging, radar surveillance, and electronic intelligence gathering. Out of the total 127 Indian satellites launched so far, 22 are in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 29 are in geosynchronous orbit, with many under the control of the central government for defence and strategic applications.
Narayanan’s remarks come amidst heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan and a need for cross-border vigilance. The armed forces on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 conducted “Operation Sindoor”, a large-scale retaliatory strike targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The forces also attacked 11 Pakistani airbases.
ISRO’s upcoming launch of EOS-09
ISRO’s upcoming launch of EOS-09 (RISAT-1B), a radar imaging satellite scheduled for May 18, is expected to further bolster India’s surveillance capabilities, particularly along sensitive border regions. The organisation is also working closely with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to accelerate the deployment of a constellation of 52 satellites over the next five years.
Narayanan also highlighted ISRO’s contributions to civilian development, especially in the northeastern states. He concluded is speech by saying: “Before India celebrates 100 years of independence, our country will be a master in every field and an outstanding contributor to the world.”
