Azista Space Achieves India’s First In-Orbit Snooping Capability

India’s private space sector has marked a significant technological milestone as domestic aerospace firm Azista Space successfully demonstrated in-orbit imaging of another space object. Using an indigenously built satellite, the company captured images of the International Space Station, a first-of-its-kind achievement by any Indian space company, strengthening the country’s space situational awareness capabilities.

Breakthrough Demonstration in Earth Orbit

The feat was accomplished using Azista Space’s 80-kg earth observation satellite ABA First Runner (AFR), which successfully imaged the “International Space Station” while operating at ranges of approximately 250–300 km. The demonstration, often referred to as “in-orbit snooping” or space watch, involved tracking and imaging a fast-moving object in near-horizon, sunlit conditions, validating advanced tracking algorithms and sensor precision.

Satellite Mission and Technical Details

AFR was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket by “SpaceX” as part of the Transporter-8 mission in June 2023. After completing nearly two and a half years in orbit, the satellite executed two independent imaging attempts of the ISS, capturing 15 distinct frames with a sampling resolution of about 2.2 metres. According to “Azista Space”, both attempts achieved 100 per cent success.

Strategic Importance for Space Situational Awareness

The achievement is a major step towards strengthening India’s space situational awareness, which involves monitoring and predicting the movement of satellites, space debris and other objects in Earth’s orbit. With India operating more than 50 satellites for communication, navigation, earth observation and surveillance, timely information on nearby orbital activity is critical, especially during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

Important Facts for Exams

• Space situational awareness focuses on tracking satellites and space debris.
• Low Earth Orbit ranges up to about 2,000 km above Earth.
• The ISS orbits at roughly 400 km altitude.
• Private firms are increasingly active in India’s space sector.

Boost to India’s Private Space Ecosystem

Azista Space, which operates Asia’s first private satellite manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, said the demonstration highlights its capabilities in electro-optical payloads, image processing and satellite bus engineering. The company is also associated with multiple missions of “ISRO”, underscoring the growing role of private industry in advancing India’s space technology and orbital security preparedness.