Guwahati, April 3: In a major step toward enhancing India’s space surveillance and security, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) chairman Dr. V. Narayanan visited the proposed site of the NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) project at Chandrapur, near Guwahati on Wednesday. Accompanied by Assam’s Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta, the ISRO chief assessed the site’s feasibility for establishing a state-of-the-art space observatory.
The NETRA project aims to provide continuous monitoring of space objects and debris, ensuring the protection of India’s satellites and other national space assets. The Assam government has expedited the land transfer process, with formalities expected to be completed within this month, paving the way for the initiation of construction work.
Dr. Narayanan confirmed that a highly advanced radar system will be installed at the Chandrapur site within a year. This radar will have the capability to monitor space up to 2,000 km, detect objects as small as 10 cm and track satellites and space debris in real-time.
He added that the entire project is expected to take around four years to complete, making it a crucial component of India’s space security strategy.
Minister Keshab Mahanta assured ISRO that the Assam government has fast-tracked the land allocation process, with the Land Advisory Committee already approving the project. The Revenue Department is finalizing the transfer, ensuring that ISRO can commence initial construction work immediately.
“Our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has prioritized this project as a matter of national interest. The transfer of land will be completed soon to enable ISRO to begin operations,” Mahanta said.
NETRA is a key step in India’s space defence strategy, aimed at tracking satellites and potential threats in space, preventing satellite collisions with space debris and providing early warnings against hostile activities in space.
Dr. Narayanan emphasized ISRO’s commitment to assisting the Assam government in technical expertise and satellite deployment, applauding Assam’s initiative to launch its own satellite in the future.
With the Chandrapur site deemed highly suitable for the project, NETRA is set to enhance India’s capabilities in space situational awareness (SSA), safeguarding national space assets against potential threats.
