India Strengthens Orbital Vigilance Through Space Situational Awareness

Azista Space Demonstration

India Strengthens Orbital Vigilance Through Space Situational Awareness: Indian aerospace firm Azista Space recently demonstrated advanced in-orbit snooping capability, also referred to as “space watch.” The firm successfully captured images of the International Space Station (ISS) from orbit.

This milestone marks a significant step in India’s expanding Space Situational Awareness (SSA) ecosystem. It showcases the ability to observe and monitor space objects using indigenous technology.

Static GK fact: The International Space Station is a joint project of five space agencies and orbits Earth at an average altitude of nearly 400 km.

What is Space Situational Awareness

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) refers to the systematic monitoring, tracking, cataloguing, and prediction of objects in Earth’s orbit. These objects include operational satellites, defunct satellites, space debris, and natural celestial bodies such as asteroids.

SSA systems collect data from ground-based radars, telescopes, and space-based sensors. The data is analysed to predict potential collisions and orbital threats.

The objective is to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable space operations. As the number of satellites increases, SSA becomes critical for preventing orbital accidents.

Static GK Tip: More than 8,000 active satellites currently orbit the Earth, making collision avoidance increasingly complex.

Why SSA is Important

Space has become congested due to rapid satellite launches and mega-constellations. Even a small debris fragment travelling at 28,000 km per hour can severely damage operational satellites.

SSA enables early detection of potential collision risks. This allows satellite operators to perform avoidance manoeuvres, preventing mission failure and economic losses.

It also strengthens national security by tracking foreign satellites and monitoring suspicious orbital activities.

ISRO Initiatives

India’s SSA framework is led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Two major initiatives play a central role.

NETRA Project

The NEtwork for space objects TRacking and Analysis (NETRA) project was launched to establish a network of radars and optical telescopes. It aims to detect debris and space objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO).

NETRA enhances India’s capability to independently assess space threats.

IS4OM Centre

The IS4OM (ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management) centre is located in Bengaluru. It acts as the control hub for SSA activities.

IS4OM processes data related to close approach events, collision warnings, and satellite health. It also coordinates mitigation strategies to ensure long-term orbital sustainability.

Static GK fact: Bengaluru is often referred to as India’s “Space Capital” as it houses ISRO’s headquarters.

Expanding India’s Space Security Framework

India is emerging as a major space power with over 50 operational satellites supporting communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and defence. With increasing private sector participation, SSA capacity must expand further.

The successful demonstration by Azista Space reflects growing private-sector capability in high-resolution orbital surveillance. It strengthens India’s self-reliance in strategic space technologies.

As global dependence on space infrastructure grows, SSA will remain a cornerstone of both economic stability and national security.

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India Strengthens Orbital Vigilance Through Space Situational Awareness: