PM Modi Highlights Importance of SCOT Mission for Indian Space Sector
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of Digantara's SCOT mission for India's expanding space industry. The satellite aims to enhance space safety and situational awareness, marking a pivotal moment for Indian startups in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- SCOT mission enhances space safety.
- First commercial SSA satellite worldwide.
- Supports national security and operations.
- Tracks objects as small as 5 cm.
- Indian startups are making significant contributions.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The achievement of the Indian space startup Digantara's Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission is crucial for the expanding space sector in India, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
Digantara successfully launched its SCOT satellite on SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission on Wednesday, aiming to improve space safety and monitor Resident Space Objects (RSOs).
On Thursday, the company declared the successful completion of the mission.
"Hats off to Indian space startup Digantara for the accomplishment of Mission SCOT," PM Modi stated in a post on the social media platform X on Friday.
"This marks a significant addition to the growing Indian space industry, enhancing space situational awareness," he added.
Mission SCOT stands as the first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite globally. It will oversee Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with heightened effectiveness.
Supported by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI, the mission aims to bolster national security and space operations.
It will provide monitoring of objects as small as 5 cm orbiting the Earth, ensuring safer operations in space.
"Mission SCOT has successfully established contact with our ground station! Solar panel arrays are deployed, power levels are favorable, and stabilization is optimal," Digantara announced on X.
The company noted that its current focus is on commissioning the satellite and preparing for its fundamental mission: accurate object tracking and imaging in LEO.
Previously, the company received accolades from BJP leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar.
"Fantastic!!! Congratulations Digantara; you make us proud, especially on #National Startup Day," he remarked on X.
On the same day, Bengaluru-based Pixxel also launched its inaugural three satellites of the Firefly constellation, marking India’s first private satellite constellation.
The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched aboard the Transporter-12 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.
