Azista Space Achieves Historic Milestone in Indian Space Sector
In a monumental advancement for India's burgeoning space industry, domestic aerospace leader Azista Space has successfully demonstrated a groundbreaking indigenous capability: capturing images of objects in orbit from another satellite. This achievement marks the first time any space company in the country has accomplished such a feat, often referred to as "in-orbit snooping" or "space watch."
Imaging the International Space Station from Orbit
Utilizing its 80-kilogram earth-observation satellite, ABA First Runner (AFR), Azista Space managed to take detailed images of the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits approximately 400 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The AFR satellite, launched into space on June 13, 2023, as part of SpaceX's Falcon-9 Transporter-8 mission, has now completed over two and a half years in orbit, showcasing its durability and advanced functionality.
In a post on the social media platform X, Azista Space, which operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for satellites and payloads in Sanand, Gujarat, announced the successful execution of a challenging near-horizon demonstration targeting the ISS. The company reported that the AFR sensor was precisely tasked to track the ISS under sunlit conditions at ranges of about 250 kilometers and 300 kilometers, capturing it in 15 distinct frames. Two independent attempts were conducted, both achieving a remarkable 100% success rate.
Validating Tracking Algorithms and Imaging Precision
The resulting images achieved a sampling resolution of 2.2 meters, effectively validating Azista Space's sophisticated tracking algorithms and imaging precision. The company proudly stated, "To our knowledge, AFR is the only Indian-built and operated satellite to have demonstrated such a feat." This accomplishment underscores Azista Space's position as Asia's first private satellite factory, with an annual production capacity of 50 satellites.
Enhancing India's Space Situational Awareness
India currently operates more than 50 satellites for various purposes, including communication, navigation, earth observation, and surveillance. Protecting these critical space assets requires timely and accurate information about the activities of other satellites in the vicinity, especially during periods of heightened geopolitical tensions. The rare feat achieved by Azista Space represents a significant step toward strengthening India's space situational awareness (SSA).
SSA involves the comprehensive monitoring, tracking, and prediction of man-made satellites, space debris, and natural objects such as asteroids in Earth's orbit. It is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities by analyzing potential collisions and enabling avoidance maneuvers. Azista Space brings robust electro-optical payload, image processing, and satellite bus engineering capabilities to the table, enabling the design, development, and delivery of end-to-end SSA satellites and payloads tailored to specific customer mission requirements.
Azista Space's Comprehensive Capabilities
The company is deeply involved in the design, development, manufacturing, and integration of satellites, space-borne systems, and payloads. It also specializes in producing tailor-made satellites and satellite subsystems. Furthermore, Azista Space's personnel are actively engaged in over 12 missions with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), highlighting their expertise and contribution to the national space ecosystem.
This historic demonstration not only showcases Azista Space's technological prowess but also positions India as a formidable player in the global space arena, capable of advanced space surveillance and asset protection.
