These Chinese space capabilities and identified their constellation of intelligence and earth observation satellites and linked them to the identification and location of US mobile maritime platforms were examined. Further integration with their land-based tracking assets and ballistic missile DF- 21D demonstrated the technical feasibility of targeting specific aircraft carriers in the fleet.
Missile Database
A comprehensive missile database of Chinese, Pakistani, Iranian, and North Korean missiles has been created. The capability of North Korean missiles to reach the US mainland could be established. The study was also extended to understand the North Korean satellite launch capability.
Software tools, QuoVadis found to be very useful for generating ballistic missile trajectory and providing a fan of target destinations when launched from a set of coordinates. The other tool named Veni Vidi Vici can propagate satellite orbits and is useful for determining target visibility/ blind periods for a constellation of satellites.
Space, Security, and Policy
In the emerging situation of the Space Environment, where the congested and contested space can lead to potential conflicts, the Space Situational Awareness Requirements of countries need to be captured. The use of space in current warfare; noting that space assets play a vital role in the formulation and implementation of power strategies across the globe, the current and future Indian space assets, their capability, and capacity in comparison with international scenario was undertaken. The study report “Space, War & Security – A Strategy for India” was widely discussed and appreciated in the national forums. China Science Publishing and Media Ltd, Beijing, has brought out a Chinese translation of the document.
Identifying Uranium Mills using Satellite Imagery
This is another milestone event and the first of its kind to identify Uranium mills from space. Unique parameters which help in differentiate Uranium mills from copper mines are highlighted.
Borderland and Strategic Challenges
Borderland and Strategic Challenges of the border people in Tawang borderland in Arunachal Pradesh examined historical and ethno-political background of local Monpas and Tawang besides detailed assessment of the infrastructure developments – current status and perceived needs, internal and external dynamics of Tawang Monpas.
Myanmar Studies
This comprehensive study examined, Myanmar’s history, geography, borders, distribution of the major and other ethnic tribes, natural resources, Myanmar in the post-election era, Myanmar's aspirations, their military and security dependency, Chinese footprints, trade, and other issues. It was recommended that New Delhi needed to cultivate local constituencies through collaborations in the areas such as building up educational institutes, enhancing cultural ties, especially the Buddhist linkages, and initiating affordable health care services.
Maritime Studies
The study investigated the changes that have taken place in the Makran coast after 2013. Satellite imagery combined with GIS software tools were used in the analysis to track the construction activities and progress in the development of the facility on the Makran coast, especially after the Chinese involvement in the development work through the China- Pakistan Economic Cooperation (CPEC) framework.
Pakistan’s S&T Capabilities
A series of reports on Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes have been published. A comprehensive database on Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities has been developed. As a continuation of this, a research at Pakistan’s Space Programme and other S&T Programmes have been undertaken.