Assam To Become First Indian State To Own Satellite, In Talks With ISRO

Assam is likely to become the first state in the country to have its satellite as the Himanta Biswa Sarma's BJP government has announced its plans to launch its own satellite ASSAMSAT, soon.

The state government aims to strengthen data access for key socio-economic initiatives and enhance border surveillance. Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog announced in the state budget recently.

"(The ASSAMSAT satellite) can help providing dedicated services for agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, and security border management and police operations," PTI quoted Neog as saying.

According to the state government, the satellite will be set up in collaboration with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) which promotes private investment and innovation in the space sector and Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).

"We will also ignite the imagination of the students of colleges of Assam with the support of INSPACe/Isro by involving them in building experimental satellites," Neog added.

Assam will be the first state in the country to have its satellite, Chief Minister Sarma said. While addressing a press conference, CM said, "If we have our own satellite, it can tell us if any foreigner tries to enter illegally, give prior information on impending floods, help with weather reports that will benefit our farmers."

He revealed that early discussions with ISRO have already started.