A proposed shared satellite system among BRICS members could make Earth observation data more affordable while helping countries use orbital resources more efficiently, experts said.
The BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) could develop into a shared satellite system built around common Earth observation capabilities, coordinated data sharing and shared infrastructure.
Experts said a common risk and revenue model could help member countries reduce costs while limiting the number of separate satellite constellations placed in orbit.
“A shared constellation can not only optimise the resources, but also reduce space debris. If every country puts a constellation in the orbit, it will only jam the space. So, if a group of friendly nations collaborate on a risk- and revenue-sharing basis, data expenses will also decrease,” said Sudheer Kumar N, who spent decades at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) before moving into the private space sector and now works with XDLINX Space Labs.
The proposal comes as BRICS members push for greater cooperation in space. On Saturday, the bloc supported the peaceful use of space systems, space science and technologies, while backing greater collaboration and efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space.
In the New Delhi Declaration 2026, BRICS leaders recognised the progress made by the RSSC in using space technology to address global challenges and support socio-economic development.
The RSSC will include Earth-observation satellites and ground infrastructure for coordinated observations and data sharing. Experts said the system could follow an approach similar to Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth observation initiative.
India could play a key role as the RSSC develops into a genuinely shared satellite system. India recently hosted the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies meeting in Bengaluru, where space cooperation and debris mitigation were discussed.
“India hosting the Brics Heads of Space Agencies meeting in Bengaluru is not incidental. When RSSC matures into a genuinely shared constellation, India is positioned to do for Global South Earth observation what Copernicus did for Europe,” said Sreeram Ananthasayanam, Partner, DigiGov and SpaceTech, Deloitte South Asia.
He added, “A shared constellation whose data serves flood warnings in Bangladesh and drought monitoring in the Sahel as readily as it serves its own members isn’t a strategic asset for one bloc. This is a classic expression of space for commons,”
The initiative follows India’s earlier push for a “Brics Space Economy” as a new area for global growth, with collective action aimed at expanding innovation, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Space debris mitigation is also gaining importance as commercial launch activity increases.
“The focus on space debris mitigation is timely too, as India’s own commercial launch cadence accelerates, sustainability of orbital assets has to be a shared priority, not an afterthought. This is exactly the kind of multilateral platform Indian space companies need as they scale globally,” said Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association.
BRICS leaders also reaffirmed support for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and efforts to prevent an arms race and weaponisation of outer space.
The bloc welcomed progress by the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies meeting in Bengaluru and appreciated efforts to finalise amendments to the BRICS RSSC Agreement to allow new BRICS space agencies to join. Work is also underway on the Terms of Reference for the BRICS Space Council.
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