Driftspace
India's national space agency on 4 September placed an Earth-observation satelli
India's national space agency on 4 September placed an Earth-observation satellite into geosynchronous orbit for the first time, marking what scientists and officials described as a significant advancement for the programme. The satellite, carried by a GSLV Mk II rocket launched from the Sriharikota spaceport, is equipped for high-resolution imaging intended to support disaster monitoring, weather tracking and environmental observation from a fixed position above the equator. The successful launch followed an earlier run of setbacks with a different rocket in India's fleet, making the outcome particularly significant for the agency. Separately, India's broader commercial space sector has expanded sharply, with private companies active in the field growing from a single firm just over a decade ago to more than 450 today. The country is increasingly positioning itself in both government and commercial satellite markets. As more countries develop independent space capabilities, how should the global community agree on managing the rapidly growing volume of satellites in Earth's orbit?