The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has announced that the Ministry will explore the launch of a dedicated satellite or the acquisition of a transponder to enhance India’s maritime governance and port management systems.

Speaking on the occasion of National Space Day, Sonowal said: “Our Ministry should plan to launch a satellite of our own or acquire a dedicated transponder for the Indian maritime sector. This will strengthen India’s coastal and port management infrastructure through advanced space-based solutions.”

The proposed system would provide exclusive coverage of India’s coastal waters, inland waterways, and port regions, while integrating with national maritime databases. It would enable real-time vessel traffic monitoring, enhance navigational safety, and streamline port operations.

Sonowal emphasised that the initiative would deliver multiple benefits, including real-time ship tracking across India’s coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone, early identification of congestion, improved disaster preparedness, search-and-rescue capabilities, and pollution control. The system would also reduce reliance on foreign navigation networks and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Highlighting India’s achievements in space research, the Minister said the country has emerged as a global leader in science and technology with one of the most respected and efficient space programmes in the world. He recalled key milestones including the launch of Aditya-L1 in 2023, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

“India has made remarkable progress in unlocking new opportunities through space. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our space programme has become a symbol of national pride,” Sonowal noted.

Extending his greetings on National Space Day, he urged the youth of India “to reach out not just to the sky, but to space,” reflecting the government’s vision of harnessing science and technology for the nation’s progress.