The ISRO is strengthening its space monitoring capabilities by planning new tracking facilities across India, including a radar system in the Northeast and an optical telescope in Ladakh.
Currently, space objects are tracked using the Multi-Object Tracking Radar at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. However, with increasing congestion in Low Earth Orbit, the agency is expanding its infrastructure to improve surveillance and safety.
An optical telescope is being set up in Hanle, Ladakh, chosen for its high-altitude and clear night skies, which are ideal for observing satellites using reflected sunlight. At the same time, efforts are underway to establish an indigenously developed phased array radar in the northeastern region. Additionally, the Baker Nunn Schmidt Telescope in Nainital is being refurbished in collaboration with ARIES to further enhance tracking capabilities.
These systems will work together to support Space Situational Awareness, which involves tracking and predicting the movement of satellites and space debris. With objects in Low Earth Orbit moving at extremely high speeds, even minor collisions can create serious risks.
ISRO currently operates 53 satellites and has already carried out multiple collision-avoidance manoeuvres, highlighting the growing need for a robust tracking network to ensure safe space operations
