Strengthening India’s Astronomy Infrastructure

Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹13,416.20 crore to the Department of Space, signalling a renewed push towards deep-space exploration and astrophysics.

Key announcements in the Budget

• Development of Advanced Telescope Infrastructure: 
  • The government has prioritised the construction of the 30-metre National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT).
  • The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) near Pangong Lake in Ladakh has received funding support.
  • Upgradation of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope in Hanle has been proposed.
  • The COSMOS-2 planetarium in Amaravati is nearing completion to boost science outreach.
• Focus on Deep-Space Exploration and Astrophysics: A large share of the allocation is directed towards frontier research in astrophysics, enabling India to participate in cutting-edge global discoveries rather than remain a secondary collaborator.

Existing infrastructure in India’s astronomy ecosystem 

• The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune is the world’s largest low-frequency radio telescope array.
• The establishment of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) in 2020 has encouraged public-private partnerships.
• The AstroSat mission, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, has strengthened India’s capability in space-based astronomy and produced globally recognised scientific output.
• The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, plays a crucial role in planetary sciences, solar physics, and space astronomy, contributing to missions such as Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission.
• India possesses growing capabilities in AI-driven data processing centres. The ecosystem has witnessed an increase in space-tech startups working in collaboration with ISRO.

Rationale behind strengthening domestic infrastructure

• Limited Global Access: Only a few countries such as the U.S., China, Japan, and members of the European Union heavily invest in large terrestrial and space telescopes.
  • Access to such facilities is highly competitive, and Indian scientists frequently face restricted observation time at foreign facilities.
• Utilising Ideal Geographical Advantage: Many of the planned facilities are proposed for locations such as Hanle and areas near Pangong Lake in Ladakh, which have dark, high-altitude skies optimal for ground-based astronomy.

• Arresting Brain Drain: World-class domestic facilities can encourage talented students and researchers to pursue advanced research in India.
  • Strong infrastructure enhances India’s global scientific reputation.
• Strategic Positioning in Global Science: Astronomy and space science contribute to;
  • Technological spillovers.
  • Advanced instrumentation development.
  • National prestige and soft power.

Gaps in India’s Astronomical Infrastructure

• Lack of Comparable Optical Telescope Facilities: Despite GMRT’s success, India lacks a world-class optical telescope comparable to global standards.
• Absence of Sub-Millimetre Telescope Capabilities: India does not currently possess telescopes operating in the sub-millimetre wavelength range, essential for:
  • Studying proto-stellar disks.
  • Understanding galaxy formation.
  • Probing dusty star-forming regions.
• Underutilisation of Budget Allocations: Experts have flagged that actual expenditure has fallen short of budgetary allocations.

Way Ahead

• Promote Public–Private Partnerships: Private sector participation in space and astronomy instrumentation should be expanded under IN-SPACe with regulatory oversight.
• Build Advanced Data Infrastructure: Investments in AI-driven data analytics, high-performance computing, and big-data astronomy platforms must be expanded.
• Strengthen Human Capital: Greater funding should be directed towards fellowships, postdoctoral programmes, and research grants in astrophysics and planetary science.

Source: TH