Assam's Satellite Ambition: A New Era in Data and Security

The Assam government plans to launch its own satellite, ASSAMSAT, to collect data for socio-economic projects and border surveillance. The satellite will also aid agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure development. Collaboration with ISRO and IN-SPACe will involve students in experimental satellite projects.

The government of Assam has unveiled an ambitious plan to launch its own satellite, dubbed ASSAMSAT, aimed at enhancing data collection for key socio-economic initiatives and border monitoring.

Announced by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog during the budget presentation for 2025-26, this marks a pioneering move as Assam seeks to become the first Indian state to deploy a state-owned satellite. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the satellite's potential for agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure, and border security, ultimately benefiting local communities and governance.

ASSAMSAT is set to operate in concert with IN-SPACe and the Department of Space, drawing upon the expertise of ISRO. This collaboration not only promises to revolutionize developmental projects but also to ignite educational interests, as students will participate in building experimental satellites. According to the Chief Minister, preliminary discussions with ISRO are already underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)