Mumbai - Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. (NSPL), a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, a pioneering name in manufacturing critical systems for the defence sector, today announced its ambitious vision to establish Bharat’s first multi-sensor, all-weather, high-revisit Earth Observation Satellite Constellation at an event in The Leela, Mumbai. With an aim to strengthen Bharat's self-reliance in the strategically crucial defence-space sector, NSPL signed MoUs/agreements for a consortium of key Bharatiya and global partners, including Larsen and Toubro, CENTUM, AgniKul, Skyroot, SpaceFields, SISIR, CYRAN, and Thales Alenia Space (as Technology Partner), through this landmark initiative.
With committed funding and strong R&D investments, NSPL is dedicated to addressing the space-based earth observation needs of Bharatiya stakeholders while building the first private constellation in Bharat. At present, the country relies on limited sovereign satellites and expensive foreign satellite imagery that does not meet the evolving needs of national security. To address this NSPL is undertaking a groundbreaking initiative to establish private domestic Earth Observation All-Weather LEO Satellite Constellation, consisting of 40 satellites over the next five to six years. This constellation will offer high-resolution imagery, GSD <= 50 cms, high revisit times, and an end-to-end turnkey solution for national defence and strategic interests. NSPL will offer this constellation to the end user on a leased or user-definable exploitation model.
The event was graced by the honourable Secretary DDR&D and Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr. Samir V Kamat and other dignitaries including Shri Jayant Patil, Member of Executive Council of Management Larsen & Toubro, and Advisor Defence & Smart Technologies to CEO & MD Larsen & Toubro, Shri Aseem Kumar Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Ashish Chauhan, Managing Director & CEO, NSE Ltd., Shri Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales in Bharat., Shri Apparao Mallavarapu, Chairman, Centum Electronics and Shri Milind Kale, Chairman, The Cosmos Bank Ltd. Also joining and congratulating virtually were esteemed dignitaries, Shri Nitin Gadkari Minister of Road Transport and Highways of Bharat and Shri Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra. The dignitaries highlighted the strategic importance of this venture for Bharat’s defence and space sectors, applauding the efforts of NSPL in driving self-reliance and technological advancement.
Commenting on the launch, Mr Ganesh Ramesh Nibe, Founder Nibe Limited, said, "The national endeavour marks a milestone step towards enhancing Bharat's space capabilities. By integrating efforts from leading players across Bharat's private sectors and involving select global majors, we are poised to accelerate local technology and skill development, reinforcing our nation's standing in the global space industry. We also appreciate the support of all our partners who are contributing advanced technology and data centre expertise to this unique constellation."
Representing Thales Alenia Space, Mr. Ashish Saraf, said, "We congratulate Nibe for pioneering this landmark initiative that represents a significant leap forward for Bharat’s space industry. We are proud to be part of this space endeavour and look forward to bringing our collective innovation and expertise together for this tremendous national effort aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision."
During the event, NSPL also signed agreements/MoUs with Bharatiya and international companies marking a pivotal step in establishing an indigenous and advanced earth observation capability for Bharat. This initiative not only emphasizes NSPL’s role as the leader of the consortium but also underscores NSPL’s commitment to strengthening Bharat’s defence-space sector and driving the nation’s ambition to be at the forefront of global space technology.
Shri Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister of Revenue, Govt of Maharashtra added, "I applaud establishing the defence cluster project near Shirdi as a commendable achievement under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. I have always been inspired by Mr. Ganesh Nibe's excellence across various sectors, and this milestone marks yet another remarkable accomplishment. Seeing new startups significantly impacting and leading the way in different domains is exciting. We look forward to witnessing Mr. Nibe's continued success and offer our unwavering support as he propels Bharat towards greater self-reliance.”
"I am proud to see Nibe Space Private Limited's plans to establish Bharat's first multi-sensor, all-weather, high-revisit Earth Observation Satellite Constellation and related ground stations. Such efforts will greatly enhance India's capabilities in the critical defense-space sector, aligning with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat.' I am also pleased to announce that the Ministry of Defence and NSE signed MoU on July 29, 2024, to support MSMEs and emerging companies in the defence sector through our 'NSE Emerge' platform. My heartfelt congratulations to Shri Ganesh Nibe ji and his team for driving Bharat forward as a defence-space powerhouse”, said Shri Ashish Chauhan, Managing Director & CEO, NSE Ltd.
"After seeing the corporate presentation of Nibe Group, it is heartening to witness the remarkable progress they have made in the aerospace and defence sectors within just 4 to 5 years. With the launch of Nibe Space, I am confident that the same level of success will also be achieved in the space domain. At DRDO, we recognize the strategic importance of space, and that the fusion of civil and military technologies will play a vital role. In DRDO, we have also initiated a technology fund to support MSMEs and startups in R&D activities within the space and defence sectors. I am pleased to see Nibe Space adopting a collaborative, consortium-based approach that aligns with the need for timely technology development. I wish Mr. Nibe and his team a successful journey ahead", said Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO.
The event also witnessed the presence of esteemed Bollywood actor and veteran, Shri Sanjay Dutt.
This collaboration will create opportunities for promising start-ups to come together in a consortium model, aligning their goals with the Make in Bharat initiatives.
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