ISRO's Chandrapur Radar Lab to Boost India's Space Asset Tracking

ISRO’s latest radar laboratory in Chandrapur, Assam, was officially inaugurated on Monday. The lab forms a critical node of the Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis, a programme designed to safeguard India’s orbital assets.

The facility will deploy a cutting‑edge radar system capable of detecting objects as small as a few centimetres at altitudes up to 1,200 km. Coupled with optical telescopes, the centre will provide continuous surveillance of satellites, spent rocket stages and space debris.

The 200‑bigha site, provided by the Assam government, offers ample space for future expansion, including potential integration with indigenous research programmes. Officials expect the lab to contribute valuable data for both defence and civilian applications, ranging from navigation to climate monitoring.

In her remarks, the chief minister thanked the central leadership for the confidence shown in Assam and stressed that the new infrastructure will catalyse scientific education and innovation across the state.