India plans to launch 52 spy satellites over the next five years to enhance its space-based defence surveillance. The announcement was made by IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Kumar Goenka during the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025. The initiative will see major private sector involvement alongside ISRO.

BulletsIn

• 52 surveillance satellites to be launched over 5 years
• Goal: boost military surveillance for Army, Navy, Air Force
• Half of the satellites by ISRO, half by private firms
• Satellites to help track enemies, monitor borders, aid coordination
• IN-SPACe chairman announced move at global space event
• Home Ministry, defence forces to decide on further upgrades
• SSLV technology transfer to private sector underway
• SSLV enables quick, low-cost satellite launches in emergencies
• Can launch 10–500 kg satellites into 500 km orbit
• Full SSLV transfer announcement expected in 2 weeks