New Delhi: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) intending to develop critical technologies for tracking space objects, specifically near-Earth objects and artificial satellites. The partnership is a step towards enhancing India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA).
Space Situational Awareness is a significant issue focusing on predicting, warning, and avoiding potential collisions between space objects. It is essential for ensuring the safety of satellites and their users. The collaboration between ARIES and BEL signifies an important step in strengthening India’s space capabilities in line with the Indian government’s ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives.
According to the agreement, ARIES and BEL will utilize advanced image-processing techniques and data analytics solutions, supported by observations from ARIES’s telescopes, including the 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT). In addition, the two organizations will also design specialized instruments and laboratories and conduct a series of workshops to enhance expertise in SSA further. ARIES will contribute through its deep knowledge of space weather monitoring, which is important for understanding the environmental conditions that influence space operations.
