DRDO Pursues High-Precision Celestial Tracking for Next-Gen Research

DRDO Pursues High-Precision Celestial Tracking for Next-Gen Research\n\nIn a bid to advance research and development in the field of celestial tracking, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a tender for a high-precision Celestial Object Tracking Module.\n\nThe tender, listed under the Department of Defence Research and Development, seeks one unit through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The bid was published on 6 October 2026, with submissions scheduled to close on 27 October.\n\nThe proposed Celestial Object Tracking Module must meet demanding requirements for precision pointing, rapid movement, and simultaneous operation of two telescope payloads. The mount must use a two-axis altitude–azimuth configuration, allowing it to move horizontally and vertically to follow a target.\n\nIts encoders must offer a resolution of 0.1 arcsecond or better, while its minimum slew rate must reach 20 degrees per second. The specifications also set strict accuracy requirements, combining fine angular control with the ability to reposition the mount rapidly.\n\nThe dual-payload configuration allows two instruments or telescopes to be carried simultaneously, supporting astronomical observation, optical tracking experiments, and research involving moving objects in the sky.\n\nThe system must support USB 3.0 and Ethernet connectivity, along with GPS and pulse-per-second (PPS) integration for timing and synchronisation. The tender also calls for software development kit (SDK), driver, and application programming interface (API) support, enabling integration with external control and data-acquisition systems.\n\nOther requirements include safety interlocks, single-phase electrical power, dual-telescope mounting, and operation in ambient temperatures ranging from 0°C to 35°C.\n\nHigh-precision celestial tracking mounts can support a wide range of applications, from astronomical observation to optical tracking experiments and research involving moving objects in the sky. The combination of rapid slewing, accurate pointing, and synchronised instrumentation could be useful in experiments that require a telescope or optical sensor to acquire and follow a target.\n\nThe DRDO's pursuit of a high-precision Celestial Object Tracking Module reflects its commitment to advancing research and development in the field of celestial tracking. By investing in cutting-edge technology, the organisation aims to enhance its capabilities in tracking celestial objects and supporting a wide range of research applications.\n\nAs the tender process unfolds, it will be interesting to see which vendors emerge as frontrunners and how their solutions meet the DRDO's demanding requirements. One thing is certain, however: the development of a high-precision Celestial Object Tracking Module has the potential to revolutionise the field of celestial tracking and open up new avenues for research and discovery.