India is set to establish a dedicated research centre in Odisha aimed at enhancing scientific understanding of the atmosphere, weather patterns, and space conditions. The Department of Space has initiated the tender process for the Atmospheric and Space Science Research Facility (ASRF), which will be located in Chandipur, Balasore district. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The ASRF is envisioned as a significant research hub where scientists will have the opportunity to investigate various atmospheric processes and the space environment. This facility is expected to bolster India’s capabilities in atmospheric and space research, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical applications in these fields.

This project builds upon the existing Balasore Rocket Launching Station, which has been operational since 1979. The station has been utilised for launching sounding rockets that collect crucial data from the upper atmosphere, information that is often difficult to obtain from ground-based observations.

Objectives Of The Atmospheric And Space Science Research Facility

The ASRF is designed to support a wide range of experiments and research focused on atmospheric and space-related phenomena. The atmosphere is in a constant state of flux, with varying weather systems and upper air conditions that can significantly affect radio signal transmission. By studying these dynamics, scientists aim to gain a deeper understanding of the Earth’s surrounding environment and its behavioural patterns.

Research conducted at the ASRF will not only enhance scientific knowledge but will also facilitate practical applications related to weather forecasting, atmospheric conditions, and space exploration. The facility has been described as a research “super site,” integrating efforts from multiple government agencies to advance the nation’s scientific capabilities.

Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed in a December 2024 response in the Rajya Sabha that the project is a joint undertaking by the Department of Space, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and DRDO. This collaborative approach is expected to maximise the benefits of the research conducted at the facility.

Tender Details And Construction Timeline

The tender for the construction of the ASRF has been issued through the Construction and Maintenance Group at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 9.06 crore, with civil and plumbing work accounting for Rs 5.67 crore. Additionally, electrical installations are projected to cost Rs 2.97 crore, while air-conditioning work is estimated at Rs 42 lakh.

Construction is anticipated to take approximately 15 months from the date the work order is issued. Indian contractors interested in participating can download tender documents from October 23 to November 12, 2026. Bids must be submitted by November 20, and technical bids are scheduled for opening on November 23.

The tender also stipulates an earnest money deposit of Rs 18.12 lakh, although micro and small enterprises are exempt from this requirement. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to advancing its research capabilities in atmospheric and space sciences, positioning the nation as a key player in these critical fields.

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