Four telescope infrastructure facilities to be set up or upgraded

In a significant push to India’s mega-science and astronomy infrastructure, the Government of India has announced the development and upgradation of four major telescope facilities in the Union Budget 2026–27.

The projects include the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT), upgraded Himalayan Chandra Telescope (uHCT), and COSMOS-2 Planetarium, aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in solar and astronomical research.

Key Facilities Announced

• National Large Solar Telescope (NLST):
  To be constructed at Merak, this facility will enable advanced studies of the Sun, including solar magnetic fields and space weather phenomena.
• National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT):
  Planned at Hanle, the telescope will facilitate deep-space observations in optical and infrared wavelengths.
• Himalayan Chandra Telescope (upgraded HCT):
  The existing telescope at Hanle will undergo significant upgrades to enhance observational capabilities and instrumentation.
• COSMOS-2 Planetarium:
  The second LED dome planetarium in India will be established in Amaravati, aimed at promoting astronomy education and public outreach.

Source: PIB