The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has entered into a strategic partnership with the Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to enhance India’s capabilities in ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed on 13 May 2025 at IRDE’s Dehradun facility by Director of ARIES, Manish Kumar Naja, and Director of IRDE, Ajay Kumar. The agreement marks a significant step toward collaborative scientific advancement in monitoring and protecting space assets.

ARIES, based in Nainital, is a nationally recognised research institute specialising in astronomy, astrophysics, and atmospheric sciences. It is home to advanced observational infrastructure, including the 3.6-metre Devasthal Optical Telescope and the ST Radar system. These facilities serve as critical assets for both basic and applied scientific research in the domain of space observation.

IRDE, situated in Dehradun, is renowned for its work in the design and development of electro-optical surveillance technologies across a wide range of platforms, including land, air, naval, and space-based systems. The laboratory has contributed significantly to the nation’s defence preparedness through its innovative technology solutions.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two institutes will collaborate on several strategic initiatives. These include utilising ARIES’s observing facilities for space object tracking and data acquisition, jointly developing electro-optics-based systems tailored for astronomical and SSA applications, and advancing image processing and data analytics through artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).

The agreement also provides a framework for joint scientific and technical research, skill development, and knowledge exchange through structured training programmes. This collaboration is expected to enhance national capabilities in space surveillance and contribute to India’s growing ambitions in space security and science.

Representatives from both institutions attended the signing ceremony, including Brijesh Kumar and T. S. Kumar from ARIES, and Ruma Dhaka, Sudhir Khare, Manavendra Singh, Abhijit Chakraborty, and Bharat Ram Meena from IRDE. Their presence underscored the significance of this inter-institutional alliance within the broader scientific and defence ecosystems.

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The close geographical proximity of ARIES and IRDE within Uttarakhand is anticipated to foster seamless coordination, regular technical exchanges, and efficient resource sharing. This regional collaboration is aligned with national efforts under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to promote scientific innovation and self-reliance in critical technologies.

The partnership is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations between civilian scientific institutions and defence research entities, contributing toward a more secure and technologically advanced space environment for India.

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