Experts believe that the creation of a common BRICS satellite constellation for Earth observation (RSSC) will provide access to satellite data at affordable prices and reduce space debris, provided that participating countries adopt a model of shared risk and revenue distribution.
This statement came after BRICS countries advocated on Saturday for the use of space systems, achievements in space science and technology exclusively for peaceful purposes. They also supported strengthening cooperation while assuring that they would work to prevent an arms race in space (PAROS).
In the New Delhi Declaration 2026, leaders highly praised the successes of RSSC in using space technologies to solve global problems and promote socio-economic development. RSSC will include Earth observation satellites and corresponding ground infrastructure that will be used for coordinated observations and data exchange. This initiative is expected to replicate the Copernicus model, the European Union's flagship Earth observation program designed to provide valuable information services.
Sudhir Kumar N, who spent decades working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) before moving to the private space ecosystem and now works at XDLINX Space Labs, noted: 'A common constellation can not only optimize resources but also reduce space debris. If every country wants to launch its own constellation into orbit, it will only create overcrowding in space. Therefore, if a group of friendly nations unites based on the sharing of risks and revenues, data costs will also decrease.'
These events occurred months after India presented the concept of the 'BRICS Space Economy' as the next frontier of global growth and called for collective action among member countries to unlock new opportunities in innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Experts emphasized that India's role in the development of RSSC could prove decisive as this BRICS initiative transforms into a truly common satellite system.
Sriram Ananthasayam, partner at DigiGov and SpaceTech, Deloitte South Asia, stated: 'India's hosting of meetings of BRICS space agency heads in Bengaluru is not coincidental. When RSSC matures as a truly common constellation, India will be able to provide Earth observation for the Global South just as Copernicus did for Europe.'
He added that India's own civilizational idea, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), is a more fitting expression of what RSSC can become than any contractual language. Ananthasayam noted: 'A common constellation whose data is used for flood warnings in Bangladesh and drought monitoring in the Sahel is not a strategic asset of one bloc, just as easily as it is for its own members. This is a classic expression of space as the common heritage of mankind.'
The declaration also affirmed the commitment to maintaining long-term sustainability of activities in space and preventing the militarization of space (PAROS), as well as threats or use of force against space objects, including negotiations on adopting a relevant multilateral legal instrument to ensure global security.
Leaders welcomed the steps taken at the recent meeting of BRICS space agency heads in Bengaluru, which highlighted the importance of mitigating the effects of space debris to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.
Furthermore, the declaration noted positive momentum in finalizing amendments to the BRICS RSSC Agreement to include new BRICS space agencies and in developing the Charter of the BRICS Space Council.
