About Space-Based Surveillance-III Programme (SBS-III):
- It was approved in October 2023, by the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security to develop next-generation satellites over the next decade.
- It involves the construction and launch of 21 satellites by India’s space agency, ISRO, and 31 by three private companies.
- The first satellite is expected to be launched by April 2026, with the full constellation targeted for completion by the end of 2029.
- The aim of SBS-3 is to cover much larger areas of China and Pakistan, as well as the Indian Ocean Region, with shorter revisit times (interval between two consecutive surveillance sweeps of the same location) and much better resolution. The space doctrine is also being fine-tuned.
- It enables the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to monitor adversary movements deep inside hostile territory — including airfields, bases, and staging areas.
- These new satellites will utilise AI and will be able to interact with each other and thus gather GeoIntelligence more effectively.
- A crucial aspect of the project is the planned transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology from ISRO to private players, which will allow for rapid satellite launches during emergencies.
- The satellites will operate in both low Earth and geostationary orbits, providing comprehensive coverage and countering China's advanced anti-satellite capabilities, including kinetic and electronic warfare systems.
- The project cost of SBS-III is pegged at ₹26,968 crore.
- The Defence Space Agency (DSA), which functions under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) of the Ministry of Defence, is leading the project.
- Formed in 2019, the DSA replaced the Integrated Space Cell and now oversees India’s military space operations.
- It coordinates with ISRO, DRDO, and the armed forces to develop space warfare strategies and safeguard national space assets.
