Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. to Launch India’s First Private Earth Observation Satellite Constellation
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 8: Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. (NSPL), a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, announced its ambitious plan to establish India’s first multi-sensor, all-weather, high-revisit Earth Observation Satellite Constellation. This initiative aims to boost India’s self-reliance in the defence-space sector.
NSPL signed agreements with key Indian and global partners, including Larsen and Toubro, CENTUM, AgniKul, Skyroot, SpaceFields, SISIR, CYRAN, and Thales Alenia Space. With committed funding and strong R&D investments, NSPL is dedicated to addressing the space-based earth observation needs of Indian stakeholders while building the first private constellation in India.
Currently, India relies on limited sovereign satellites and expensive foreign satellite imagery that does not meet the evolving needs of national security. To address this, NSPL plans to establish a private domestic Earth Observation All-Weather LEO Satellite Constellation, consisting of 40 satellites over the next five to six years. This constellation will offer high-resolution imagery, GSD <= 50 cms, high revisit times, and an end-to-end turnkey solution for national defence and strategic interests.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO, Jayant Patil, Member of Executive Council of Management Larsen and Toubro, Aseem Kumar Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, Govt. of Maharashtra, Ashish Chauhan, Managing Director & CEO, NSE Ltd., Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales India, Sameer Patil, Chief Business Officer, BSE Ltd., Apparao Mallavarapu, Chairman, Centum Electronics, and Milind Kale, Chairman, The Cosmos Bank Ltd. Virtually joining and congratulating were Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra.
Ganesh Ramesh Nibe, Founder of Nibe Limited, commented, “The national endeavour marks a milestone step towards enhancing India’s space capabilities. By integrating efforts from leading players across India’s private sectors and involving select global majors, we are poised to accelerate local technology and skill development, reinforcing our nation’s standing in the global space industry. We also appreciate the support of all our partners who are contributing advanced technology and data centre expertise to this unique constellation.”
Ashish Saraf from Thales Alenia Space added, “We congratulate Nibe for pioneering this landmark initiative that represents a significant leap forward for India’s space industry. We are proud to be part of this space endeavour and look forward to bringing our collective innovation and expertise together for this tremendous national effort aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.”
NSPL’s agreements with Indian and international companies mark a pivotal step in establishing an indigenous and advanced earth observation capability for India. This initiative underscores NSPL’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence-space sector and driving the nation’s ambition to be at the forefront of global space technology.
Doubts Revealed
Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. -: Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. is a private company in India that works on space technology and satellite projects.
Earth Observation Satellite Constellation -: An Earth Observation Satellite Constellation is a group of satellites that work together to take pictures and collect data about the Earth from space.
multi-sensor -: Multi-sensor means using different types of sensors to collect various kinds of information, like pictures, temperature, and other data.
all-weather -: All-weather means that the satellites can work and collect data in any weather condition, like rain, clouds, or sunshine.
self-reliance -: Self-reliance means being able to do things on your own without needing help from others. In this case, it means India can gather its own satellite data without depending on other countries.
defence-space sector -: The defence-space sector involves using space technology for national security and defence purposes, like monitoring borders and protecting the country.
Larsen and Toubro -: Larsen and Toubro is a big Indian company that works in engineering, construction, and technology.
Thales Alenia Space -: Thales Alenia Space is a company that makes satellites and space technology. It is based in Europe.
high-resolution imagery -: High-resolution imagery means very clear and detailed pictures taken from space.
national security -: National security means keeping the country safe from threats and dangers.
Dr. Samir V Kamat -: Dr. Samir V Kamat is a notable person who works in the field of science and technology in India.
Jayant Patil -: Jayant Patil is another important person in India who works in technology and engineering.