India Taps Space Startups for Launching ‘Bodyguard’ Satellites

India’s security agencies have asked private startups to develop so-called bodyguard satellites as the country accelerates efforts to protect space assets at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, according to people familiar with the matter.

Discussions between government bodies and startups are in advanced stages and the private companies are aiming to launch their first test satellite in the first half of this year, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information isn’t public. These are meant to escort, protect and counter orbital threats to high-value spacecraft.