Assam to launch its own satellite for socio-economic projects
What's the story
The Assam government has announced plans to launch its own satellite, ASSAMSAT.
The initiative was revealed by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog during the budget presentation for 2025-26.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma later claimed that Assam will be the first state in the country to have its own satellite.
Preliminary discussions with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have already begun.
Satellite objectives
How will it help?
Neog said in her budget speech that ASSAMSAT will ensure a continuous and reliable flow of data for the implementation of critical socio-economic projects.
The satellite will also offer dedicated services for agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, border security management, and police operations.
This is part of an effort to improve various sectors in Assam using advanced technology.
Education initiative
ASSAMSAT: A platform for student involvement
Neog emphasized that the satellite project will ignite the imagination of students in Assam, who will be involved in building experimental satellites with the support of IN-SPACe and ISRO.
This will spark interest among students in space technology and its applications.
It will pave the way for a new generation of scientists and engineers who can make a significant contribution to India's space program.
Disaster response
Tool for disaster management
Sarma stressed the need for having their own satellite. He said it can give early warnings about floods, help with weather forecasts useful for farmers, and keep an eye on illegal border crossings.
The CM also referred to the coal mine accident in Umrangso to explain how ASSAMSAT could have helped.
"It took us 45 days to get data on the mine... Hence, we will have our own satellite which will keep surveillance over our geographical area," he said.