Project Netra

Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Project NETRA, an early warning system in orbit that detects debris and threats or hazards to Indian satellites.

The Indian space agency intends to build numerous observational facilities, including telescopes, networked radars, data processing units, and a control center, as part of this project.

Significance of Project NETRA

This project, which is expected to cost over Rs. 400 crore, will assist ISRO in safeguarding Indian spacecraft in space.

The project possesses a deep significance in terms of space program, and the following are the primary aspects of importance of Project NETRA.

Researchers and scientists will be able to see and follow things as small as 10 cm, up to a range of 3,400 km, which is equivalent to a space orbit of roughly 2,000 km, using telescopes, radars, data processing units and other tools.

It seeks to capture the geostationary orbit (GEO), which is close to 36000 km distant and where the communication satellites operate.

With this effort, India hopes to develop its own capability for Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

Components of Project NETRA

Project NETRA will consist of the following:

ISRO intends to use the Multi-Object Tracking Radar (MOTR) and place it at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota

High accuracy and long-range telescopes in Leh, and a radar in the northeast.

Telescopes will be erected up at Ponmudi and Mount Abu to provide a broader SSA picture.

Indian space assets currently include 15 communication satellites in GEO, 13 remote sensing spacecraft in LEO, and 8 navigation satellites.

Thus, Project NETRA will play a critical role in saving these Indian satellites in orbit.