A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 13, 2025, between the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Instruments Research Development Establishment (IRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The agreement aims to strengthen India's ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities by utilizing ARIES' observational facilities and scientific expertise. The collaboration includes using ARIES' facilities for space object monitoring, joint development of electro-optics systems for astronomy and SSA, developing image processing and data analysis techniques using AI/ML, and knowledge exchange through training and R&D. The partnership leverages the geographical proximity of the two Uttarakhand-based institutions to advance space surveillance systems and ground-based astronomy objectives.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Science Technology DST: Government ministry, likely the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology, overseeing the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation, an agency of the Indian government responsible for military research and development.
Department of Science and Technology DST: A department within the Ministry of Science and Technology, likely an Indian government agency.
Memorandum of Understanding MoU: A formal agreement between DST and DRDO institutes.
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences ARIES: An autonomous institute of DST located in Nainital, focused on astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences.
Indias: Refers to the country of India, in relation to its capabilities in groundbased Space Situational Awareness (SSA).
Space Situational Awareness SSA: The field of monitoring and understanding the space environment, including tracking objects and predicting potential collisions.
ARIES, Nainital: Location of the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences.
Instruments Research Development Establishment IRDE, Dehradun: A laboratory of DRDO located in Dehradun, engaged in the design and development of Electro-Optical surveillance systems.
Dr. Manish Kumar Naja: Director of ARIES.
Dr. Ajay Kumar: Director of IRDE.
13th May 2025: Date the MoU was signed.
IRDE, Dehradun: Location where the MoU was signed.
3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope: A national observing facility hosted by ARIES.
ST Radar system: A national observing facility hosted by ARIES.
Armed Forces: Refers to the military forces that IRDE designs and develops Electro-Optical surveillance systems for.
ElectroOptics: Technology used for astronomy and SSA applications. Jointly developed by ARIES and IRDE.
artificial intelligence and machine learning AIML: Technologies being integrated in image processing and data analysis techniques.
Dr. Brijesh Kumar: Individual from ARIES present at the MoU signing.
Dr T. S. Kumar: Individual from ARIES present at the MoU signing.
Ms. Ruma Dhaka: Individual from IRDE present at the MoU signing.
Dr. Sudhir Khare: Individual from IRDE present at the MoU signing.
Dr. Manavendra Singh: Individual from IRDE present at the MoU signing.
Mr. Abhijit Chakraborty: Individual from IRDE present at the MoU signing.
Mr. Bharat Ram Meena: Individual from IRDE present at the MoU signing.
Uttarakhand: State in India where ARIES and IRDE are located.
Dr. Virendra Yadav: Contact person for inquiries, with email virendra@aries.res.in.
NKRPSM Release ID: 2128692: Identification number for the press release.
Ministry of Science & Technology
DST & DRDO institutes join hands to strengthen
ground-based Space Situational Awareness
Posted On: 14 MAY 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi
An institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to partner with a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) institute to
utilize observational facilities at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), and its
scientific expertise in exploration of space to strengthen India’s capabilities in ground-based Space Situational
Awareness (SSA).
The MoU was signed between ARIES, Nainital, an autonomous institute of DST and Instruments Research &
Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun, a laboratory of DRDO by Dr. Manish Kumar Naja, Director,
ARIES, and Dr. Ajay Kumar Director, IRDE on 13th May 2025 at IRDE, Dehradun.
ARIES is a premier research institute in the field of astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences and
hosts state-of-the-art national observing facilities including the 3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope and ST
Radar system.
IRDE is a leading institution engaged in the design and development of Electro-Optical surveillance systems
for the Armed Forces across ground, naval, airborne, and space platforms.
The scope of MoU include use of observing facilities at ARIES for monitoring and data acquisition on space
objects, jointly developing Electro-Optics based systems for astronomy and SSA applications, development of
image processing and data analysis techniques by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning
(AI/ML) and knowledge exchange, training activities, and capacity building through scientific & technical
research and development.
This MoU signed in the presence of Dr. Brijesh Kumar, and Dr T. S. Kumar from ARIES; and Ms. Ruma
Dhaka, Dr. Sudhir Khare, Dr. Manavendra Singh, Mr. Abhijit Chakraborty and Mr. Bharat Ram Meena from
IRDE represents a strategic partnership between two key scientific institutions of Uttarakhand, with the goalof advancing objectives in space surveillance systems and ground-based astronomy.
The close geographical proximity of ARIES and IRDE is expected to facilitate regular interaction, access to
facilities, technical exchanges and coordination of joint activities.
For further inquiries, contact Dr. Virendra Yadav (Email ID: virendra@aries.res.in).
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NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2128692)