In a pioneering move, the Assam government has announced plans to launch its own satellite, named ASSAMSAT, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The initiative, unveiled during the state budget presentation for 2025-26 by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, aims to enhance regional monitoring and support critical socio-economic projects.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that Assam would become the first state in India to have its own satellite. The project, developed in partnership with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), is expected to provide targeted services in agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, border surveillance, and police operations.
Highlighting the satellite’s significance, the Chief Minister stated, “With ASSAMSAT, we can monitor illegal border crossings, predict floods well in advance, and provide weather updates beneficial to farmers. This initiative will ensure a continuous and reliable flow of data for the state’s development.”
The project also includes an educational component, with plans to involve college students in building experimental satellites under the guidance of ISRO and IN-SPACe. The government has allocated ₹500 crore for the satellite’s development and related infrastructure upgrades.
The announcement comes in the wake of challenges faced during recent incidents, such as the coal mine tragedy in Umrangso, where the lack of immediate satellite data delayed rescue operations. The state government aims to address such gaps with the launch of ASSAMSAT.
Preliminary discussions with ISRO are underway, and the satellite is expected to be operational within the next few years. This ambitious project underscores Assam’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development and regional security.
