Modern warfare relies heavily on advanced, space-based sensors that can monitor activities on Earth in real time. To strengthen this capability, India has started the third phase of its Space-Based Surveillance (SBS-III) programme. As part of this effort, the country plans to launch 52 satellites into space. These will include both surveillance and communication satellites placed in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). 

This ambitious project is part of India’s plan to become more self-reliant and reduce its dependence on such countries as the United States and Israel. The goal is to create a homegrown network of space-based sensors. Once operational, the SBS-III programme will greatly improve India’s ability to monitor activities from space, according to The Diplomat. 

The Satellite-Based Surveillance Initiative (SBS-I) officially began in 2001 with the launch of four satellites from the Cartography Satellite (CartoSat) and Radar Imaging Satellite (RISat) series to improve India’s ability to monitor the Earth. 

*  CartoSat Series: These satellites are built for creating detailed and accurate maps of Earth's surface. They provide high-resolution images useful for urban planning, infrastructure development and natural resource management

* Risat Series: These satellites use radar technology to capture images of Earth in all-weather conditions—day or night. They are the key to agricultural monitoring, disaster management and national security surveillance.

These satellites were specifically designed to monitor enemy movement along the borders and keep track of important military locations, such as supply depots, airbases and army camps. Their ability to capture high-quality images with a one-metre resolution—where the satellite can capture images in which each pixel represents one metre on the ground, allowing it to clearly identify objects or features as small as one metre—proved crucial in providing vital intelligence during the India-Pakistan military standoff in 2001-’02.

Building on the success of the SBS-I programme, India launched its next phase, the SBS-II, in 2013. This included six advanced surveillance satellites: CartoSat-2C, 2D, 3A, 3B; MicroSat-1; and RISat-2A.

CartoSat and RISat evolution

The CartoSat-1 series provided basic high-resolution imaging for mapping, while CartoSat-2 improved with higher resolution for detailed surveillance. CartoSat-3 further advanced with superior clarity and advanced imaging. RISat-1 focussed on all-weather radar imaging, RISat-2 enhanced it with faster, better surveillance and RISat-3 aims at advanced radar and quicker data-processing.

What exactly is the MicroSat?

MicroSat refers to a small, lightweight satellite designed for specific tasks, such as capturing images of Earth. Its compact size makes it cheaper to build and launch while still delivering important data.

24/7 enemy monitoring and tracking

India has set aside $3.2 billion for the SBS-III programme to develop next-generation satellites over the next decade. ISRO will manufacture the first 21 satellites, while private companies will be tasked with building the remaining 31.

The new satellite sensors will use artificial intelligence (AI), allowing them to communicate and work together. This means that these sensors on the satellites can share information, coordinate and make smarter decisions as a team, improving their overall performance and efficiency in space. 

India plans to launch quantum satellites within the next two to three years. These advanced satellites use quantum technology to ensure ultra-secure communication by making it nearly impossible for messages to be hacked.

As part of the SBS-III programme, India may work with France to build next-generation spy satellites. These satellites are designed to be more powerful, with better imaging, faster communication and enhanced security features for improved surveillance and data collection. Along with the new space sensors, the necessary support systems on the ground will also be upgraded and expanded to ensure that everything works smoothly and efficiently.

India's Defence Space Agency (DSA) will oversee the operation of the newly launched satellite system under the SBS-III programme. Additionally, reports suggest that the DSA is likely to focus on developing the ability to launch satellites quickly whenever needed.

India's Chief of the Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has confirmed the country's goal of achieving this capability. According to media reports, the new system will allow DSA to launch a 650 kg satellite to an altitude of around 750 km within just 60 minutes using a mobile platform. The proposed plan will enable India to replace its satellites quickly if they are damaged, or destroyed due to natural disasters or an attack.

The SBS-III system will greatly improve India’s ability to monitor activities in real time. In comparison, earlier satellites, such as CartoSat-2C could only capture images of a specific location once every four days. India did not have many satellites for secure communication with its forces. The SBS-III will help solve this problem by adding more satellites and improving communication.

Having real-time information about the battlefield and secure communication between different military units will make it easier for commanders to plan and carry out their missions successfully. This will give them more flexibility and confidence during operations.

The satellites in the SBS III project will have AI technology, which will let them communicate with each other. This will help them gather and share information about Earth more effectively. This means that, if a satellite in a higher orbit spots something important, it can tell a satellite closer to Earth to take a better look at it. The closer satellite can, then, gather detailed information and send it to the ground station.

The new spy satellites, powered by AI, will help India keep an eye on enemy military bases and troop movements at all times—day and night. The SBS-III project will help India track, and monitor, moving enemy assets, such as warships and mobile missile launchers. This will improve the country’s ability to stay aware of potential threats. The new group of satellites will make it harder for enemies to hide their military bases and equipment from these advanced sensors.

As the Indian Ocean becomes a key area of competition, India wants the ability to track enemy ships and submarines instantly and in real time. Some media reports suggest that the new SBS-III satellites may have this ability, but the truth is that no country -- not even the most advanced ones -- can detect submarines deep under water using satellites. 

The biggest benefit of India's own SBS-III system is that it will reduce the need to rely on other countries for quick and important information. The SBS-III project shows India’s efforts to prepare its military for modern warfare. It also highlights that space is quickly becoming the next major area for battles and defence strategies.

Seeing India's progress with the SBS-III project, other countries in the region and around the world may spend more on their space programmes to keep up with, and counter, India’s advantage. To counter this, they are likely to improve their abilities to target, and disable, satellites -- both through physical attacks and other methods.

Similarly, to keep up with India, other countries may launch similar systems in space to improve their real-time monitoring capabilities. This would help them maintain a balance and act as a warning system to detect, and deter, any threats. India’s new spy satellite system is likely to fuel a growing competition in space, leading to the deployment of even more space-based sensors by different countries.

The author of this article is an award-winning science writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru.