India’s security agencies are working with private startups to develop a new class of satellites designed to escort and protect the country’s most critical spacecraft, according to Bloomberg News. These so-called ‘bodyguard satellites’ are being developed to shield India’s satellites from potential threats in space, including those posed by neighboring countries.

Escalating Threats in Orbit

The initiative follows a 2024 incident in which a spacecraft from an unidentified neighboring country came within one kilometer of an Indian satellite engaged in military-related operations, such as ground mapping and object monitoring. The event highlighted the growing risks of space-based conflicts and the vulnerability of India’s satellite infrastructure.

India’s military also relied heavily on satellites during its brief 2023 confrontation with Pakistan, where space-based systems played a crucial role in identifying and tracking targets on both sides. This experience underscored the strategic importance of space assets and the need for strong protection mechanisms.

Furthermore, India discovered that China had been providing satellite support to Pakistan, aiding Islamabad in refining its radar and air defense systems during the four-day standoff. This revelation has deepened India’s concerns about its space assets being targeted or disrupted by hostile actors.

Technological Innovations in Defense

Indian startups are currently developing two types of bodyguard satellites. The first is equipped with a robotic arm that can physically latch onto and move away any spacecraft India deems a threat. The second is designed to box in and surround smaller attacking satellites, steering them away from Indian satellites to prevent potential damage.

Lt Gen Anil Bhatt, former chief of military operations and now director general of the Indian Space Association, emphasized the necessity of such capabilities. ‘The probability of satellites being disrupted is definitely there,’ he told Bloomberg News. ‘Every nation that wants to be a serious player in the critical space domain will need to build kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities to protect its own assets.’

The project is part of a broader space security initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. India has fast-tracked its space-based surveillance program, aiming to launch over 50 spy satellites with nighttime and all-weather imaging capabilities. In the longer term, up to 150 new satellites are planned to ensure round-the-clock coverage of India’s borders.

Regional Space Dynamics

China, which operates over 1,100 active satellites compared to India’s just over 100, has been developing its own bodyguard satellites for some time. Reports suggest that China has already developed the ability to physically interfere with other nations’ spacecraft, further intensifying India’s concerns about its space assets.

India is also building new ground stations both domestically and in strategic overseas locations to monitor foreign spacecraft and ensure near-instant data transfers. These efforts aim to enhance India’s ability to detect and respond to potential threats in space.

The first test satellite for the bodyguard program is expected to be launched in the first half of this year. More launches are anticipated by the end of 2026 or early 2027, after which the Indian government plans to take over and build more of these protective spacecraft.

With the growing militarization of space and the increasing number of satellites in orbit, India’s move reflects a broader global trend of nations seeking to secure their space assets. The development of bodyguard satellites is a significant step in India’s strategic push to maintain its position as a leading player in the global space race.