By Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd) and Akshat Johri

IndiaThe U.S. space sector is at an inflection point, driven by unprecedented collaboration between public and private companies. This paradigm shift, catalyzed by the public-private partnership (PPP) model of NSIL’s LVM3 launcher and now the launch of innovative Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) by IN-SPACe, is rapidly positioning the country as a world leader in space. By merging strategic partnerships with advanced satellite technologies, the PPP initiative aims to open new opportunities for established businesses and startupsenabling India to harness the potential of space technology for critical applications in sectors such as disaster management, climate monitoring and infrastructure development.

Earth observation satellites (EOS) have become essential tools for understanding our planet, thanks to rapid advances in space technology. These satellites, equipped with sophisticated sensors and instruments, provide valuable data on the Earth’s surface, atmosphere and environment, essential for applications such as weather forecasting, climate monitoring, disaster management and urban planning. Climate change poses a global threat not only to India but also to the entire world, and the demand for accurate and timely data is increasing in countries across the world, including India. This highlights the growing importance of these technologies to address complex global challenges.

Recognizing the strategic value of EOS, India is pioneering a new public-private partnership (PPP) model to enhance its satellite capabilities. IN-SPACe, the Indian space sector regulator, has released an expression of interest for space sector organizations to collaborate and create a build, operate and operate constellation for EOS that will be built and launched from Indian soil. By integrating several advanced technologies, the model seeks to improve data dissemination capabilities and drive innovation, thereby positioning India as a global leader in satellite data. walk while creating demand for its launchers and strengthening the overall competitiveness of its space sector.

In 2022, the Earth observation data market was valued at $4.6 billion, according to the Euroconsult report, with significant demand in North America, Europe and Asia, particularly for applications in the areas of monitoring of natural resources, energy, infrastructure, environment and defense. Globally, countries like the United States and the European Union are leading the deployment of EOS, with U.S. government entities like the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Department of Defense (DOD) being responsible purchasing the majority of the total value-added services (VAS). ) EOS data. India’s surge in capabilities comes at a critical time when global demand for satellite data is increasing and many players providing VAS and EO services have joined over the past five years. Today, India has over 200 startups in the space ecosystem.

The commercial potential of the Indian EOS market is immense. According to a report from ISpA, Nasscom and Deloitte, downstream applications of EOS have strong commercial viability. The growing demand for real-time satellite data is generating significant business opportunities for companies that provide analytics and value-added services, for example in agriculture, where crop monitoring health and improving yields is essential. In the report, more than 200 use cases were illustrated and 25 were selected for detailed analysis and development, highlighting their significant potential for immediate impact and scalability. These 25 high-priority use cases cover a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and communications.

By adopting the innovative PPP model and enabling its local institutions and particularly startups to develop their capabilities, India aims to capture this market opportunity, enhance its Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and VAS capabilities and become establish itself as a key player in the rapidly expanding global space economy. As we embark on this journey and adopt a new strategy, we must focus on strengthening our satellite technology and data services to meet a diverse range of applications, from natural resource management and environmental monitoring to infrastructure development and defense, and create a thriving ecosystem that can compete with other nations on a global platform. An indigenous and locally built EOS system can have a multiplier effect on India’s space economy.

For example, satellite data can be used to monitor crop health and optimize agricultural production, EO for crop insurance and monitoring for horticulture have a market potential of around 1.35 billion dollars over the next 5 years, which is particularly relevant in India, where agriculture plays an important role. contributes to GDP. Additionally, remote sensing technologies enable precise mapping of natural resources (EO to monitor resource extraction and exploration in India has a market potential of around $1.2 billion over the next 5 years), providing invaluable information to government and private companies. This data helps monitor deforestation, biodiversity loss and illegal mining activities while providing early warnings in the event of a natural disaster.

In urban settings, satellite imagery supports smart city initiatives by facilitating infrastructure planning and development, improving public services and reducing the environmental footprint (market potential of approximately $300 million). The accuracy and accessibility of EOS data improves public policies, from taxation to environmental protection, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of these technologies.

As this initiative unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its progress, assess its impact on India’s space capabilities, and assess its contribution to solving pressing global challenges. India’s efforts in the field of Earth observation satellites represent not only a big step forward for its space sector, but also an important step towards harnessing space technology for sustainable development and global cooperation.

About the authors:

Lt Gen AK Bhatt (retd), Director General, Indian Space Association and Akshat Johri, Deputy Managing Director, IIFCL Projects Ltd.)