GUWAHATI — The Assam government has reached an advanced stage in evaluating private sector proposals to build and launch its own dedicated Earth observation satellite, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced.

The ambitious project, named AssamSAT, will make Assam the first state in India to establish a state-led Earth observation satellite framework aimed at enhancing evidence-based governance, infrastructure planning, and real-time disaster management.

Public-Private Partnership via DBLOTT Model

Providing an update on the initiative, Chief Minister Sarma revealed that the state is executing the project under a DBLOTT model—which stands for Design, Build, Launch, Operate, Train, and Transfer.

"Earlier this year, we invited Expressions of Interest to select an implementation partner under the DBLOTT model," Sarma stated in a social media update. "Following strong interest from India's private space sector companies, we are now in the final and critical stage of partner selection, with dedicated committees evaluating the proposals."

Sarma emphasized that the launch of AssamSAT marks a major strategic transition, turning the state from a passive consumer of third-party satellite imagery into an active, operational participant within India's growing space-tech ecosystem.

Strategic Scope and High-Tech Governance

The proposal for a dedicated state satellite was first unveiled during the presentation of Assam's state budget by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog. Developed in collaboration with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) under the Department of Space, the system aims to guarantee an uninterrupted and real-time stream of high-resolution geospatial data.

According to state government plans, AssamSAT will deliver direct tactical and analytical support across several key sectors:

  • Disaster Management: Real-time tracking of annual monsoon floods, erosion monitoring, and rapid relief coordination.

  • Border Security & Policing: Continuous aerial surveillance along sensitive state and international borders.

  • Agriculture & Environmental Monitoring: Crop health assessments, land-use mapping, and forest cover tracking.

  • Infrastructure Planning: High-accuracy mapping for ongoing civil works and socio-economic development projects.

Evaluation committees are expected to conclude the selection process shortly, paving the way for the formal signing of the partnership contract.