India to launch 52 spy satellites over next five years: INSPACe Chairman Mr. Pawan Kumar Goenka

India plans to launch a constellation of 52 satellites over the next five years to enhance its space-based surveillance capabilities, according to the Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), Mr. Pawan Kumar Goenka. Speaking at the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025, Goenka highlighted that the initiative aims to bolster the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, enabling them to track enemy movements, monitor borders, and improve real-time coordination during military operations. The plan involves significant participation from the private sector, with half of the satellites expected to be delivered by private companies and the remaining by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He emphasised that while IN-SPACe has strong capabilities, constant enhancement is necessary. He also clarified that the Union Home Ministry and the defence forces would decide to enhance surveillance capabilities further.
In addition to the satellite launches, ISRO is transferring the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to the private sector. The SSLV is designed to launch small satellites into low earth orbit quickly, a capability crucial for the defence forces during emergencies. These vehicles can launch satellites weighing 10 and 500 kilograms into a 500-kilometer circular orbit. The design drivers for the SSLV include low cost, low turnaround time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements. He indicated that the transfer of SSLV technology is imminent and may be announced within the next fortnight.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.