India to Develop 'Bodyguard Satellites' to Protect Space Assets
India is launching a new strategic initiative to develop 'bodyguard satellites' designed to identify and counter threats to its orbiting spacecraft. The plan was reportedly accelerated after a dangerously close approach by a neighboring country's satellite earlier this year highlighted vulnerabilities. The project aims to create a defensive shield in space, potentially using LiDAR technology to detect threats and allow time for evasive manoeuvres, marking a significant step in bolstering India's national security and space-based capabilities.
Unpacked:
Although the summary does not specify, reports suggest that China’s increased satellite activities and close approaches have raised concerns for India, prompting a faster rollout of defensive space measures.
Bodyguard satellites are designed to identify and respond to threats such as hostile satellites, debris, jamming attempts, or potential anti-satellite weaponry, helping protect operational spacecraft from collisions or interference.
LiDAR uses laser pulses to create detailed 3D spatial maps and detect nearby objects. In a defense context, it can sense approaching threats, assess their trajectories, and enable timely evasive maneuvers for satellites, even in low-visibility conditions.
India’s initiative signals a shift towards active space defense, enhancing its deterrence and resilience against adversaries. It may also accelerate the regional space security race, prompting other nations to develop similar capabilities and raising concerns about potential militarization of space.