AssamSAT Mission | 26 Mar 2026

Source: TH 

Assam became the 1st Indian State to float a tender for a group of earth-observation satellites, dubbed AssamSAT, aimed at enhancing disaster response and securing the state's international borders. 

• Technological Specifications: Assam has asked private companies to design, build, launch, and operate at least 5 satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).  
  • Due to heavy cloud cover over Assam for half the year, the satellites are expected to carry Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR), which can pierce through clouds and darkness. 
• Current Mechanism: Currently, State disaster management agencies seeking satellite data submit requests to the National Remote Sensing Centre, which processes and fulfils those requests. 

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) 

• About: LEO refers to the region of space relatively close to Earth’s surface, typically at altitudes between 160 km and 2,000 km. It is the most common orbit for satellites due to its proximity to the planet and lower launch energy requirements. 
• Key Characteristics:  
  • High Speed: To stay in orbit and counter Earth's gravity, satellites in LEO must travel at approximately 7.8 km/s (about 28,000 km/h). 
  • Short Orbital Period: A typical LEO satellite completes a full revolution around Earth in just 90 to 120 minutes, meaning it circles the globe about 14–16 times a day. 
• Benefits: Being close to the surface allows for high-resolution imaging (critical for disaster management and surveillance) and low latency (essential for real-time communication and high-speed internet). 
• Major Uses & Examples: