Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner with Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun to utilize observational facilities at ARIES, and its scientific expertise in exploration of space to strengthen India’s capabilities in ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

The MoU was signed between ARIES, an autonomous institute under the Dept. of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, and IRDE, a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) by Dr. Manish Kumar Naja, Director, ARIES, and Dr. Ajay Kumar Director, IRDE on 13th May 2025 at IRDE, Dehradun.

ARIES is a premier research institute in the field of astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences and hosts state-of-the-art national observing facilities including the 3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope and ST Radar system.

IRDE is a leading institution engaged in the design and development of Electro-Optical surveillance systems for the Armed Forces across ground, naval, airborne, and space platforms.

Figure: Dr. Manish Kumar Naja, Director, ARIES and Dr. Ajay Kumar Director, IRDE signing the MoU.

The scope of MoU include use of observing facilities at ARIES for monitoring and data acquisition on space objects, jointly developing Electro-Optics based systems for astronomy and SSA applications, development of image processing and data analysis techniques by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) and knowledge exchange, training activities, and capacity building through scientific & technical research and development.

This MoU signed in the presence of Dr. Brijesh Kumar, and Dr T. S. Kumar from ARIES; and Ms. Ruma Dhaka, Dr. Sudhir Khare, Dr. Manavendra Singh, Mr. Abhijit Chakraborty and Mr. Bharat Ram Meena from IRDE represents a strategic partnership between two key scientific institutions of Uttarakhand, with the goal of advancing objectives in space surveillance systems and ground-based astronomy.

The close geographical proximity of ARIES and IRDE is expected to facilitate regular interaction, access to facilities, technical exchanges and coordination of joint activities.