Co-located space geodetic techniques observatory in India: progress toward installation of the IDS scientific station

Space geodetic techniques, i.e., Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), and Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) enable research across various Earth science domains, including monitoring plate tectonic movements, earth rotation parameters, post-glacial rebounds, snow and ice melting, precise orbit determination, sea level variations etc. These techniques, preferably co-located, are crucial for accurately realising the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), which underpins various geospatial applications such as navigation, precision surveying, cartography, and cadastral mapping.
This presentation aims to provide an introduction to the proposed first co-located space geodetic technique observatory in India (Project Saptarshi) to be established at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), which will be managed by the National Centre for Geodesy (NCG) established by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. The already established facilities with corresponding data availability and future plans towards completing this co-located site will also be discussed. However, the primary focus will be to present the current status and progress towards establishing the first IDS scientific station in India as approved by the IDS. It is envisaged that the IDS station at NCG-IITK will be installed and commissioned by the end of 2024.