TestCloud
Prep • Practice • Perform
Log In

ARIES-DST and IRDE-DRDO Sign MoU to Strengthen Ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

MOUs and Agreement | Dated: 21 May 2025

In May 2025, the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute under DST, Ministry of Science & Technology, signed an MoU with the Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), a DRDO lab based in Dehradun, to strengthen India’s ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The collaboration aims to leverage ARIES' advanced space observation infrastructure and expertise in astronomy to support IRDE's design of Electro-Optical surveillance systems for defence platforms.
  • - The MoU was signed by Dr. Manish Kumar Naja, Director of ARIES, and Dr. Ajay Kumar, Director of IRDE, during a formal event held in Dehradun.
  • - ARIES will provide access to its key national observational facilities, including the 3.6-metre Devasthal Optical Telescope and the Stratosphere-Troposphere (ST) Radar System. These advanced instruments will play a crucial role in supporting the collaborative efforts to enhance space situational awareness and related research.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The partnership will focus on the joint development of Electro-Optics-based systems that serve both astronomy and SSA applications.
  • (ii) A major objective of the MoU is to develop advanced image processing and data analysis techniques by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies.
  • (iii) The agreement also includes knowledge exchange, training activities, and capacity building through joint R&D initiatives, further enhancing India’s defence and space research ecosystem.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology signed an MoU with IRDE-DRDO to boost ground-based SSA?

Correct Answer: ARIES-DST

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

  • Director : Dr. Manish Kumar Naja
  • Headquarters : Nainital, Uttarakhand