Earth observation satellites: Tech behind India’s Rs 1,200 Cr bet

Earth observation satellites, often abbreviated as EO satellites, are tools orbiting the Earth to capture in-depth data about the planet’s surface, atmosphere, and oceans using advanced sensors and imaging technology. Their development and deployment represent one of humanity’s most significant strides in understanding and managing the world’s complex natural and human-driven systems.

With capabilities ranging from high-resolution optical photography to multispectral, hyperspectral, and radar imaging, these satellites provide the foundation for vital applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, agricultural planning, water resource management, and national security.

How Earth observation satellites work and why they matter?

At their core, EO satellites function by employing remote sensing techniques, which involve the collection of electromagnetic signals either passively, by detecting natural sunlight or thermal emissions from Earth’s surface or actively by emitting signals like radar and measuring their reflection back. These spaceborne platforms generally travel in sun-synchronous or polar orbits to ensure repeated, consistent coverage of the same geographic areas under similar lighting conditions, making the collected data highly reliable over time. The types of sensors these satellites carry, ranging from cameras and spectrometers to synthetic aperture radar, allow them to “see” the Earth day or night, in any weather, and provide unique scientific and strategic insights that cannot be achieved by ground-based or aerial observation.

Countries worldwide recognise the strategic, economic, and humanitarian value of EO satellite programs. The United States and China, for instance, maintain the world’s largest and most advanced EO satellite constellations, powered by major investments in space technology, research, and policy initiatives that prioritise data sovereignty and technological self-reliance. Both nations use these constellations not just for environmental management, but also for military intelligence, disaster readiness, agricultural productivity, and scientific research, often exporting or sharing satellite data as instruments of global influence.

India’s push in Earth observation

Recently, India has embarked on a transformative journey by committing Rs. 1,200 crore to develop its first national, large-scale EO satellite constellation through a public-private partnership. Led by a consortium of Indian firms, including PixxelSpace, PierSight, SatSure, and Dhruva Space, a new phase is being mobilised where private sector expertise is being mobilised to achieve technological self-sufficiency and to pace India’s space economy. The forthcoming constellation, which will comprise 12 sophisticated satellites, is designed to address a wide array of national needs. Its advanced onboard capabilities, combining panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and radar imaging, ensure the generation of high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night data.

The driving applications behind this investment are expansive. In agriculture, EO satellites will empower precision farming, enabling farmers to access real-time information on crop health, disease outbreaks, soil moisture, and yield forecasts, which greatly enhance food security and productivity. In terms of water management, the satellites will facilitate real-time mapping of water sources, assess water quality, and enable efficient allocation and monitoring of usage, key factors in a country dependent on its rivers, monsoon cycles, and groundwater reserves. For disaster response, the ability of these satellites to quickly assess flood damage, track cyclones, and survey earthquake zones will speed up relief operations and inform future risk mitigation plans.

Beyond these sectors, India’s EO satellite constellation will serve as a critical infrastructure for national security, border surveillance, maritime monitoring, and enforcement of environmental regulations. The data will also benefit urban planning, infrastructure projects, and climate change research, bridging gaps that have long existed due to reliance on external satellite data. By developing and operating the constellation entirely on Indian soil, the project deepens the country's technological self-reliance and broadens the scope for private sector growth, generating high-skill jobs and attracting investment in research and development.

Industry, innovation, and global standing

The anticipated impact of this investment extends well beyond technical capabilities. First, it fast-tracks the growth of India’s private space industry by encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing between government agencies and startups, driving innovation and competitiveness in the global market. Second, it helps safeguard India’s sovereignty over vital geospatial data, no longer needing to depend on foreign sources for mission-critical Earth information. Third, the move positions India as a potential exporter of geospatial services and satellite data, creating opportunities for international collaboration and diplomatic engagement.

Most importantly, this ambitious initiative showcases India’s intent to join the ranks of the world’s leading spacefaring nations. With a constellation dedicated to supporting urgent needs, food security, water management, disaster response, urban development, and climate resilience, India’s space industry is set for a profound transformation