The Indian Government is preparing a major new space security initiative aimed at protecting its satellites from potential hostile actions, following a recent near miss in orbit that raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of national space assets.
According to media report citing sources familiar with the matter, the plan includes the development of dedicated “bodyguard satellites” capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising threats posed by foreign spacecraft.
These satellites would act as defensive escorts for critical Indian satellites, particularly those with military or dual-use functions.
The move comes in the wake of a previously undisclosed incident in mid-2024, when a satellite from a neighbouring country approached within just one kilometre of an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellite orbiting in the 500–600 km low-Earth orbit (LEO) band.
The Indian satellite was reportedly engaged in ground mapping and surveillance operations with potential military applications.
While the encounter did not result in a collision, Indian officials interpreted the manoeuvre as a calculated display of spacefaring capability — and possibly, a test of strategic boundaries. The proximity triggered internal security reviews and intensified calls for space-based countermeasures.
Neither ISRO nor the Department of Space have publicly commented on the incident or the proposed satellite security program.
India has increasingly relied on satellite technology for a range of operations, including communications, navigation, disaster response and military reconnaissance.
During recent skirmishes and cross-border tensions with Pakistan, satellites played a critical role in intelligence gathering and real-time monitoring, underscoring their growing strategic value.
Analysts say the emerging space security strategy reflects India’s awareness of evolving risks in an increasingly contested orbital environment, where adversaries may attempt to jam, disable, or even destroy critical space infrastructure.
If approved, the proposed bodyguard satellites would mark a significant step in India’s space defence posture and could align with broader efforts by countries like the United States, China and Russia, all of which have invested in anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities or counter-space technologies.
India previously demonstrated ASAT capability in 2019 through “Mission Shakti,” when it successfully destroyed one of its own satellites in a test, placing it among a select group of nations with proven offensive space capabilities.
With satellite infrastructure now central to national defence, the new initiative may also involve deeper coordination between ISRO, the Indian Armed Forces, and the Defence Space Agency (DSA), which was established to oversee space security operations.
The details and timeline of the proposed program remain under discussion, but the development signals a shift towards a more assertive and protective space policy by New Delhi in response to changing geopolitical realities in orbit.