Published: 13 February 2026PIB / ETV BharatScience & Technology
Budget 2026: India Sanctions NLST and NLOT Telescopes in Ladakh, Boosting Astronomy and Astrophysics
Union Budget 2026–27 sanctioned four major astronomical facilities in India, including two new world-class telescopes in Ladakh — the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) and the National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT) — along with the upgrade of the existing Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) at Hanle, and establishment of the COSMOS2 Planetarium.
The NLST, to be built near Merak village on the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh, will be a 2-metre aperture solar telescope operating in visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It will study solar magnetism, solar flares, and space-weather events, complementing ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission. The NLOT, also to be sited in Ladakh, will be a large optical-infrared telescope to study distant galaxies, exoplanets, and transient celestial phenomena. The ₹1,000 crore NLST project is targeted for completion by 2030. Ladakh's high-altitude, low-humidity, and minimal light-pollution environment makes it ideal for these observatories. This marks a significant push to place India among the top nations in ground-based astronomy alongside the US, Europe, and China.
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Q: Discuss the significance of the NLST and NLOT telescopes sanctioned in Ladakh under Budget 2026-27.
Answer (50 words):
Union Budget 2026-27 sanctioned four astronomy facilities: the National Large Solar Telescope, a 2-metre solar instrument near Pangong Tso; the National Large Optical-Near Infrared Telescope; a Himalayan Chandra Telescope upgrade at Hanle; and the COSMOS2 Planetarium. The ₹1,000 crore NLST, targeted for 2030, complements Aditya-L1 leveraging Ladakh's high-altitude low-humidity skies.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionEasy
What are NLST and NLOT, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27?
Explanation · Correct answer DThe Union Budget 2026-27 announced telescope infrastructure facilities including the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) and the National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT). Therefore, both NLST and NLOT are telescope projects, not reactors, railway corridors, or satellite systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) and where will it be located?
The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is a 2-metre solar telescope sanctioned in Budget 2026-27 at an estimated cost of ₹1,000 crore. It will be built near Pangong Tso, Ladakh, and is designed to complement ISRO's Aditya-L1 solar mission by providing ground-based solar observations.
Which telescope at Hanle, Ladakh is being upgraded as part of Budget 2026-27 astronomy initiatives?
The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) at Hanle, Ladakh, is being upgraded as part of the Budget 2026-27 astronomy package. The HCT is an existing optical-infrared telescope that has been a key instrument for Indian astronomy research.
What is the National Large Optical Telescope (NLOT) sanctioned in Budget 2026-27?
The National Large Optical Telescope (NLOT) is an optical-infrared telescope sanctioned in Budget 2026-27 for installation in Ladakh. Along with the NLST, it represents India's commitment to building world-class ground-based astronomy infrastructure.
How does the NLST complement India's Aditya-L1 mission?
Aditya-L1 is ISRO's space-based solar observatory positioned at the L1 Lagrange point to study the Sun from space. The NLST will serve as its ground-based counterpart, enabling coordinated solar observations from both space and high-altitude ground stations, significantly enhancing India's solar research capability.
Why is Ladakh considered an ideal location for building large astronomical telescopes?
Ladakh is considered ideal for astronomy due to its high altitude (above 4,000 metres in many areas), extremely low atmospheric humidity, minimal light pollution, and clear skies for a large number of nights per year. These conditions provide excellent 'seeing' (atmospheric stability) for optical and infrared telescopes.
