Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India Sarbananda Sonowal has said the government will explore launching a dedicated satellite and acquire a transponder to boost India’s maritime governance and port management.
Addressing officials on National Space Day, Sonowal said the system would give India exclusive space-based coverage of its coastline, inland waterways and ports. It would integrate with national maritime databases to enable real-time ship tracking, congestion alerts, improved navigational safety, and better port operations.
“It will also improve preparedness for search-and-rescue, pollution control and disaster management, while reducing dependence on foreign navigation systems and supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of PM Narendra Modi ji,” he added.
Sonowal linked the proposal to India’s wider space ambitions, citing milestones such as the launch of Aditya-L1 in 2023, astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station, and upcoming projects like Gaganyaan and a planned Indian space station.
“India has built one of the world’s most respected and efficient space programmes,” Sonowal said, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in driving progress since 2014.
Extending greetings on National Space Day, he urged the youth to “reach out not just to the sky but to space.”
