ISRO Expands India’s Ability to Track Objects in Space

A new NETRA facility near Guwahati will strengthen ISRO’s tracking of satellites and orbital debris.

India is strengthening its ability to monitor satellites, debris and other objects in orbit with a new space-tracking facility being developed near Guwahati in Assam. The facility is part of ISRO’s Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis, known as NETRA, and is intended to improve India’s Space Situational Awareness capabilities. The foundation stone was laid in September in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, ISRO chairman V Narayanan and senior space scientists.

Space Situational Awareness has become increasingly important as the number of satellites and other objects in orbit continues to grow. Satellites supporting communications, navigation, weather forecasting, Earth observation and defence can be threatened by collisions with debris or other spacecraft. Tracking objects allows operators to predict potential collisions and take corrective action where possible. It also provides countries with greater awareness of activities taking place in increasingly crowded orbital environments.

For India, the expansion of NETRA represents more than an additional radar installation. The country is becoming increasingly dependent on space-based infrastructure while simultaneously expanding its satellite programmes, human-spaceflight ambitions and strategic capabilities. Better tracking can support both civilian and national-security requirements by improving knowledge of objects around Indian satellites and identifying potential risks. The Guwahati facility is expected to contribute to a broader network rather than operate independently, strengthening the country’s ability to build a more complete picture of the orbital environment.