ISRO to get a boost for its satellite and space asset tracking with its newest facility in Guwahati, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is establishing a new facility in Chandrapur, near Guwahati, Assam.
• The foundation stone for the facility was laid on September 21 by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
• This facility is part of ISRO's Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) initiative.
• Its primary goal is to enhance Space Situational Awareness by improving radar and satellite tracking capabilities.
• The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) is the nodal agency responsible for setting up this advanced facility.

ISRO Facility.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The new facility will significantly boost ISRO's ability to track space assets and protect them from potential collisions with space debris.
• It will contribute to improved ionospheric and atmospheric observations, crucial for understanding Earth's environment.
• The facility is designed to enhance weather monitoring, cloud observations, and space weather studies, aiding in better predictions.
• Data from the facility will support improved weather prediction, space-weather assessment, and communication and navigation studies.
• It will also have applications in providing warnings for flash-floods and urban-floods, and improving thunderstorm and lightning nowcasting.
• The facility's capabilities will guide aviation services, addressing both regional and national requirements for space and atmospheric data.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA): An ISRO project aimed at enhancing India's capability to monitor and protect its space assets from orbital debris and other threats.
• Space Situational Awareness: The comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the space environment, including the location and function of space objects and potential threats.
• ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC): A network of ground stations and facilities responsible for providing tracking, telemetry, and command support for ISRO's satellite and launch vehicle missions.