New Delhi: India is stepping up efforts to safeguard its space infrastructure by encouraging private startups to develop specialised “bodyguard satellites” designed to protect critical spacecraft from potential threats in orbit.
The initiative is being pursued as part of a broader national security strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing concerns about the vulnerability of satellites used for surveillance, communication and defence operations. Discussions between government agencies and private space companies have reportedly reached an advanced stage, with the first experimental satellite expected to be launched during the first half of this year.
These satellites are intended to escort and defend valuable spacecraft by monitoring nearby activity and responding to suspicious movements. Additional test launches may take place by the end of the year or early next year. Once the technology is proven, government agencies are expected to acquire and further develop the system for wider deployment.
Security planners in India have become increasingly aware of potential risks in space following regional tensions and evolving military capabilities. A recent confrontation between India and Pakistan highlighted how satellites can play a crucial role in modern warfare by enabling target identification and surveillance. The episode also exposed certain gaps in India’s space monitoring network, prompting efforts to strengthen defensive capabilities in orbit.
Concerns were also raised after a near incident in 2024 when a spacecraft from a neighbouring country reportedly approached within one kilometre of an Indian satellite that was carrying out mapping and observation activities. Such proximity can allow foreign satellites to interfere with or monitor sensitive missions.
The proposed bodyguard satellites are expected to use advanced technologies. One concept involves a robotic arm capable of attaching to and repositioning suspicious spacecraft. Another design aims to neutralise smaller satellites by enclosing them and moving them away from protected assets.
The project forms part of a larger plan to enhance India’s space surveillance capacity. The government has accelerated work on a space based monitoring programme that aims to launch more than 50 surveillance satellites capable of day and night observation in all weather conditions.
In the long term, India intends to deploy as many as 150 additional satellites to create a comprehensive monitoring network over its borders and surrounding regions. Ground infrastructure is also being expanded with new tracking stations in India and strategic international locations to ensure continuous monitoring of foreign spacecraft and faster transmission of data.
