The latest Economic Survey has shed light on advancements in India's space infrastructure sector, with the GSAT-20 satellite launch in collaboration with SpaceX standing out among key developments.
India currently operates 56 active space assets, including 19 communication satellites, nine navigation satellites, four scientific satellites, and 24 earth observation satellites. ISRO has bolstered its capabilities by adding a small satellite launch vehicle to its fleet, the survey noted.
The GSAT-20 satellite, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is a high-throughput communication satellite, designed to enhance data transmission capacity for India's communication infrastructure.
ISRO's advanced geospatial platforms are playing a crucial role in infrastructure monitoring and management. These initiatives support a range of projects, from rural development and electrical infrastructure to judicial and urban planning, enhancing efficiency and tracking progress. Key platforms include:
Bhuvan Platform: Supports infrastructure monitoring under schemes like MGNREGA and the watershed component of PMKSY at different stages of implementation.
Electrical Infrastructure Management: Facilitates the management of electrical infrastructure in Maharashtra and Telangana through Web-GIS portals.
NyayaVikas Portal for Judicial Infrastructure: Developed in collaboration with the Department of Justice, this portal monitors 2,840 judicial projects, using Web GIS and mobile geotagging, with over 7,900 geotags created to track progress.
Urban Geospatial Databases for AMRUT Cities: ISRO has created large-scale 2D urban geospatial databases for 238 AMRUT cities, assisting in developing GIS-based master plans for urban planning
In last year's economic survey some developmental gaps were highlighted, such as the need for indigenous capabilities in carbon fibre production, dedicated semiconductor fabs for space applications, and the availability of major alloying elements. Challenges related to the commercialisation of technologies include a niche and competitive marketplace, pricing constraints, limited demand inhibiting large-scale commercialisation, and a lack of visibility of long-term demand.
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