GUWAHATI | AssamSAT, the state’s proposed Earth observation satellite system, has moved closer to implementation with the Assam government entering the final stage of selecting a private sector partner for the project, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday.

Sharing the update on National Space Day, Sarma said the state had invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from potential implementation partners under the DBLOTT model – Design, Build, Launch, Operate, Train and Transfer.

The initiative has received strong interest from private space-sector companies from across the country, he said. Proposals submitted by prospective partners are currently being examined by dedicated committees before the government makes a final selection.

Space technology for governance

Sarma described AssamSAT as an important step in expanding the state’s role in the space technology ecosystem.He said the project would allow Assam to move beyond being only a consumer of satellite-based information and become a more active participant in the use and application of space technology.

The proposed satellite system is expected to provide Earth observation data that can be used to support governance, infrastructure development and planning. According to the Chief Minister, access to timely satellite data would help the government make faster and more evidence-based decisions across various sectors.

The project is being positioned as a major initiative to integrate space-based technology into Assam’s administrative and development framework. With the evaluation of bids now underway, the government is expected to finalise its implementation partner in the next stage, paving the way for AssamSAT to move towards execution.