Nibe shoots for the stars with satellite constellation

 

By Ajai Shukla

Business Standard, 12th Sep 24

 

Nibe Space Private Ltd (NSPL), a subsidiary of Nibe, announced on Monday its vision to establish India’s first multi-sensor, all-weather, high-revisit Earth Observation Satellite constellation during an event held at The Leela, Mumbai. 

 

Aiming to strengthen India's self-reliance in the strategically crucial defence-space sector, NSPL signed MoUs (memoranda of agreements) with Indian and global partners, including Larsesn & Toubro, Centum, AgniKul, Skyroot, SpaceFields, SISIR Radar, CYRAN AI Solutions, and Thales Alenia Space as a technology partner.

 

With committed funding and strong research and development (R&D) investments, NSPL is dedicated to addressing the space-based earth observation needs of Indian stakeholders, while building the first private satellite constellation in India.

 

Today, India relies on a limited number of sovereign satellites and expensive foreign satellite imagery that does not meet the evolving needs of national security. 

 

To address this shortfall, NSPL is undertaking a groundbreaking initiative to establish a private, domestic, all-weather Low Earth Observation satellite constellation, consisting of 40 satellites over the next five to six years. 

 

This constellation will offer high-resolution imagery, high revisit times, and an end-to-end turnkey solution for national defence and strategic interests. 

 

NSPL will offer this constellation to end users on a leased or user-definable exploitation model.

 

Dignitaries attending the event, including Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, highlighted the strategic importance of this venture for India’s defence and space sectors. They applauding NSPL for driving self-reliance and technological advancement.

 

"I am proud to see NSPL’s plans to establish India's first multi-sensor, all-weather, high-revisit Earth Observation Satellite Constellation and related ground stations. Such efforts will greatly enhance India's capabilities in the critical defence-space sector, aligning with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” said Ashish Saraf, vice-president and country director, Thales.

 

“At Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), we have also initiated a technology fund to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups in R&D activities within the space and defence sectors,” said Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO.

 

NSPL is committed to advancing India’s space-based earth observation capabilities. As the lead consortium partner, NSPL aims to establish India’s first multi-sensor, all-weather satellite constellation in collaboration with leading Indian and global companies, according to a company press release on Monday.

 

Established in 2021, the company specialises in manufacturing a wide range of critical components for the defence industry, including precision manufacturing and engineering fabrication of structures and sub-assemblies for programmes such as modular bridges, rudder blades, Pinaka launchers and medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) launchers.

 

Nibe is working towards achieving this by securing export orders, partnering with foreign original equipment manufacturers for technology transfer, and empowering Indian MSMEs and start-ups. 

 

 

India’s space leap

 

Nibe Ltd, to lead consortium and bring together Indian and global partners 

 

Partners to include L&T, Centum, AgniKul, Skyroot, SpaceFields, SISIR, CYRAN, and Thales Alenia Space

 

Committed funding with aim to become a top defence and space company in the next decade