Assam Moves Toward Launch of State’s First Earth Observation Satellite

Assam is in the final stage of selecting a private-sector partner to design, build, launch, operate, train and transfer an earth-observation satellite under the DBLOTT model, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday.

If realised, Assam would become the first Indian state to operate its own dedicated earth-observation system. The satellite is intended to support disaster management, agriculture monitoring and resource mapping within the state.

Sarma noted that negotiations with shortlisted firms are nearing completion. The state government has framed the project as a public-private partnership that will transfer operational capability to local institutions over time.

Several other states have explored similar space applications through collaboration with ISRO or private launch providers, but few have advanced to full ownership of a dedicated satellite platform.