ISRO to set up advanced radar centre in Assam:Under Project NETRA, radar-based systems can help track objects and provide information about their movement

Space is becoming increasingly crowded, with satellites, rocket parts and other objects constantly moving around Earth. Tracking these objects is important to prevent possible collisions and protect satellites that support communication, navigation and other services. Assam is now set to play a role in this effort. The foundation stone for an Advanced Radar Research Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was laid at Chandrapur, near Guwahati, on Monday, September 21. The facility is being developed as part of ISRO’s Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis). What is Project NETRA?
Project NETRA is India’s effort to build a stronger system for monitoring objects in space. The project aims to improve the country’s ability to detect, track, and analyse objects orbiting Earth. These objects can include active satellites as well as space debris, such as old rocket stages and fragments left behind from previous space missions. Keeping track of such objects is important because even relatively small pieces of debris can pose a risk to operational spacecraft. The new radar facility in Assam is expected to strengthen this space-monitoring network. Why is the Chandrapur centre important? The Advanced Radar Research Centre will add to India’s capabilities for tracking objects in space. Radar-based systems can help observe objects and provide information about their movement and position. This capability can be particularly important as the number of satellites and other objects in Earth’s orbit continues to increase. Better tracking can help identify potential risks to India’s satellites and support safer space operations. How will it help protect India’s space assets? India increasingly depends on satellites for several important services, including communication, weather monitoring, navigation, disaster management and Earth observation. Any collision involving a satellite could affect these services and also create additional debris in orbit. A stronger tracking system can therefore help India monitor the space environment and assess possible threats to its satellites. Assam’s growing role in India’s space ambitions The project also adds a new dimension to Assam’s role in India’s space and technology development. The establishment of an ISRO facility in Chandrapur could bring greater attention to advanced research and space-related activities in the state. For India, the project comes at a time when space activity is expanding, with more satellites being launched by government agencies and private companies.