Space is no longer just about exploration and research — it has quietly become a battlefield. Since the launch of Sputnik I in 1957, satellites have transformed communication, navigation, weather prediction, and defence. But with growing threats like Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapons, cyber-attacks, and dangerous space debris, countries are now racing to protect their orbital assets. India, which depends heavily on satellites for national security, disaster management, and everyday services, is taking a bold step: the development of “Bodyguard Satellites.”
These satellites, technically called co-orbital satellites, are designed to move alongside India’s most valuable spacecraft, creating a protective “Space Shield.” They will constantly monitor the skies for suspicious movements, track enemy threats, and even defend against hostile attempts if needed. Unlike passive defence systems, bodyguard satellites can actively detect and neutralize risks, ensuring that India’s communication and defence satellites stay safe. This plan builds on India’s earlier achievements, including the successful Mission Shakti ASAT test in 2019, which proved the nation’s ability to destroy a satellite in orbit.
To strengthen this shield, India has also set up a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) control centre to track thousands of objects in orbit. Combined with the upcoming co-orbital bodyguard satellites, this will allow India to predict collisions, counter space espionage, and secure independence in space security. In a world where satellites are the backbone of both economy and defence, this move positions India among the global leaders preparing for the next era of space warfare and orbital defence.
