Pune: Nibe Limited Ventures into Defence and Space Sector with Ambitious Satellite Constellation Project

Pune, 9th September 2024: Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. (NSPL), a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, a leading manufacturer of critical systems for the defence sector, has announced plans to establish India’s first multi-sensor, all-weather Earth Observation Satellite Constellation. The groundbreaking initiative aims to boost the country’s defence and space capabilities while promoting self-reliance in the strategically vital defence-space sector.

NSPL, the driving force behind this project, has formed a consortium with Indian and international partners, including industry giants like Larsen and Toubro, CENTUM, AgniKul, Skyroot, SpaceFields, SISIR, CYRAN, and Thales Alenia Space, which will serve as the technology partner. With this collaboration, the company plans to deploy a constellation of 40 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites over the next five to six years, offering high-resolution imagery and enhanced revisit times for defence and strategic purposes.

Ganesh Ramesh Nibe, Founder of Nibe Limited, shared the significance of this milestone. “This project marks a pivotal step in enhancing India’s space capabilities. By leveraging the expertise of both Indian and international partners, we are accelerating local technology development, strengthening India’s position in the global space industry,” said Mr. Nibe. He further expressed appreciation for the support of the company’s partners in contributing advanced technologies to the project.

The event announcing the initiative was held in Mumbai and attended by high-ranking officials, including Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of DDR&D and Chairman of DRDO; Jayant Patil, Executive Council Member at Larsen & Toubro; and Ashish Chauhan, Managing Director and CEO of NSE Ltd. Joining virtually were Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who both expressed their support for the project and its alignment with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) vision.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat lauded Nibe Space’s achievements, saying, “At DRDO, we recognize the strategic importance of space and the need for merging civil and military technologies. Nibe Space’s consortium-based approach aligns well with our goal of timely technology development, and I look forward to their continued success.”

Ashish Saraf, representing Thales Alenia Space, praised NSPL’s efforts, stating, “This initiative is a significant leap forward for India’s space industry, and we are proud to contribute to this national endeavor.”

In addition to building the satellite constellation, NSPL will offer a user-definable exploitation model, allowing stakeholders to lease access to the satellite data. The initiative is seen as crucial in reducing India’s dependence on foreign satellite imagery, which often falls short of the nation’s evolving defence needs.

The event also featured the signing of several agreements and MoUs with Indian and global companies, further reinforcing NSPL’s commitment to establishing an indigenous Earth observation capability. The project is expected to open up new opportunities for start-ups and align with India’s “Make in India” initiative, boosting local industries and innovation.

The presence of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt at the event added a touch of star power, underscoring the project’s high-profile nature.

In closing, Nibe expressed optimism about the future of Nibe Space and its potential to become a key player in India’s defence-space sector. “We are committed to driving India towards greater self-reliance in defence and space technology. This constellation will play a vital role in supporting our nation’s security and strategic interests.”