India to launch 52 spy satellites over next five years: report

India will put up a constellation of 52 surveillance satellites over the next five years to improve its space-based defence capabilities, Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), during the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 held in Delhi.

The satellites will be used by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to monitor borders, track enemy movements, and co-ordinate military operations in real-time.

“We have fairly strong capabilities already. It’s just that they need constant enhancement,” Goenka told Press Trust of India (PTI).

Of the 52 satellites, half will be developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the other half by private companies. Goenka noted that the move marks a significant shift toward involving private industry in the country’s national security infrastructure. “So far, this was primarily done by ISRO. We will bring in the private sector as we move forward,” he said.

He also said that while IN-SPACe and ISRO are leading the programme, final decisions over the implementation of improved surveillance will rest with the Union home ministry and the defence forces.

Separately, ISRO is preparing to transfer its small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) technology to private players. The SSLV, which is designed to launch satellites weighing between 10 and 500 kilograms into a 500-kilometre circular orbit, is expected to support rapid deployment of satellites, particularly useful during emergencies.

Goenka said the transfer of SSLV technology will be announced shortly. “The transfer of SSLV technology is imminent now,” he reportedly said, indicating that an official announcement may come within two weeks.