What is a Satellite Constellation?

On the first anniversary of the Indian Space Association, ISpA, Union minister of state for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Monday announced the launch of satellite constellations and new rockets trial by Indian Space Startups.

Addressing the attendees at the event the five PSLVs along with L&T and HAL are also produced domestically. Further, he added that OneWeb is also set to launch its satellites through ISRO and NSIL.

What is a satellite constellation?

A satellite constellation is referred to as a group of artificial satellites working together as a system. Unlike a single satellite, a constellation provides permanent global or near-global coverage, which means that at any time everywhere, and anywhere on Earth at least one satellite is visible.

These satellites are typically placed in sets of complementary orbital planes and connect to globally distributed ground stations. Also, this whole setup runs on inter-satellite communication.

Advantages of Satellite Constellation

• The key benefit of satellite mega-constellations is that they encourage global connectivity.
  
• These satellite mega-constellations aim at the advancement of internet technology to connect the dots.
• Unlike single satellites, satellite mega-constellations are also comparatively easy and affordable.

Disadvantages of satellite constellation

• Satellite mega-constellations are a form of severe space junk hazard that will ultimately exert ecological impacts lately.
• This formation also leads to light pollution from space, obstructing the naturally dark sky during the nighttime. 
• Satellite mega-constellations altogether endanger astronomy and its related science in the coming few years. 

Lauding the role of ISpA for working in developing global linkages for the growth of the Indian Space Industry Union Minister said, “Space reforms have unleashed the innovative potential of startups and within a short span of time, we have 102 startups working in cutting edge areas of space debris management, nano-satellite, launch vehicle, ground systems, and research. With the integration of R&D, academia, and industry with equal stake, a space revolution led by ISRO along with the private sector and start-ups is on the horizon,"

To ensure self-dependency, the government is undertaking strong and decisive steps in the space sector. This will improve our private industrial capability and capacity to develop cutting-edge solutions which would in the future of the country.