Chhattisgarh’s First Private Satellite Targeted for 2027 Launch to Monitor Farms, Forests and Mining

Raipur: Chhattisgarh is preparing to monitor its farms, forests and mines from space. Lunar Space Agency, the first space-tech company based in the state capital, has completed the engineering model of the state's first high-resolution multispectral satellite.

Construction of the engineering model is complete, and the company is now awaiting final approval from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The company has set a target of placing the satellite in space in 2027. The satellite could help in the state's development and administrative management, with primary sectors expected to benefit the most.

It will be possible to track crop health, soil moisture and weather changes closely, so that farmers can be given timely advice. In the state's large forest areas, biodiversity, forest wealth and wildlife activity will be monitored in real time through the satellite. The data will also be useful in curbing illegal mining and in identifying the probable locations of rare minerals buried underground. In Naxal-affected areas and the remote parts of Bastar, it will help with surveillance. It will also provide accurate information during floods and other natural disasters, and help in traffic management and in geo-tagging for the Public Works Department.

Model Built Under Dr Ravi Tembhre

The satellite has been built under the leadership of the company's CEO, Dr Ravi Tembhre, who studied at Science College, Raipur, and was trained by ISRO. A team of 11 experts, including five retired scientists, worked on the project. The model is being sent to ISRO headquarters (Antariksh Bhavan) in Bengaluru for testing, and further steps will begin once clearance is received.

Key Features of the Satellite

100% Make in India: After the engineering model, the main flight model will also be assembled in Raipur.

Orbit and lifespan: The satellite will be placed at a height of 550 to 600 kilometres above the Earth. With solar panels and a powerful battery, it will function for at least three years.

Launch plan: If ISRO grants permission, it will be launched from Sriharikota. In case of delay, the option of talks with SpaceX has also been kept open.

Multipurpose payload: Additional payloads for different tasks can be added according to the needs of the state government or the private sector.

Space Technology Ecosystem in the State

The aim of Lunar Space Agency is not only to launch a satellite but to develop a complete space-technology system in Chhattisgarh. This could give the state's youth new employment and research opportunities in satellite designing, payload manufacturing, data analysis and space science within their own state.