HYDERABAD, — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has begun work on a new high-precision Celestial Object Tracking Module, with a tender for the system being processed in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The project focuses on a specialised two-axis altitude-azimuth mount designed for accurate observation and tracking of celestial objects. The system is intended to support the simultaneous mounting of two telescopes or related optical payloads.
According to the technical requirements, the complete mount must remain within 1500 × 1500 × 1000 mm and weigh less than 100 kg. It must be capable of carrying two payloads weighing 45 kg and 30 kg, respectively.
High-Precision Tracking
The mount will use high-resolution encoders with an accuracy of 0.1 arcsecond or better to provide precise positional feedback. It must also have a minimum slew rate of 20 degrees per second, allowing the system to move rapidly between targets.
DRDO has specified a pointing accuracy of less than 25 arcseconds RMS. Once a target has been acquired, the system must maintain tracking accuracy of less than 5 arcseconds RMS over a two-minute period.
These requirements are intended to provide stable and accurate tracking during observations.
GPS, PPS and Network Connectivity
The tracking module will include GPS and Pulse Per Second (PPS) hardware for precise timing and positioning. For data transfer and system control, the mount will provide USB 3.0 and Ethernet connectivity.
Software integration is also part of the requirement. The system will include device drivers, a Software Development Kit (SDK) and an Application Programming Interface (API) to support integration with other tracking and control systems.
The mount will operate using a single-phase power supply and will include safety interlocks to protect the system during operation, including against mechanical over-rotation.
The specified operating temperature range is 0°C to +35°C.
Hyderabad Tender
A related tender for the Celestial Object Tracking Module was published on 6 October 2026 by the Department of Defence Research and Development through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
The tender, GEM/2026/B/8116177, is based in Hyderabad, Telangana. The bid submission deadline is 27 October 2026, while bids are scheduled to be opened on 28 October 2026. The tender lists an earnest money deposit of ₹1.14 lakh.
The project represents DRDO's work on high-accuracy optical tracking and positioning systems for observing and tracking celestial objects. Its combination of a dual-telescope mount, high-resolution encoders, rapid slewing, precise tracking and digital interfaces is intended to provide a compact tracking platform for specialised observation requirements.
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