September 23, 2024: The Ministry of Science and Technology announced a pivotal collaboration between the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science (ARIES) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on Saturday, aimed at strengthening India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on the development of advanced technologies for tracking space objects, particularly near-Earth objects and artificial satellites.

This partnership is critical for enhancing the safety of satellites and their operators, helping to predict and prevent potential collisions in an increasingly congested orbital space. The initiative aligns with the Government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make-in-India' programs, reinforcing the commitment to technological self-reliance.

Under the MoU, ARIES will utilize its state-of-the-art telescopes, including the 4m International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT), to provide essential observational data. BEL will contribute its expertise in advanced image processing and data analytics, creating a robust framework for improved SSA.