India, March 20 -- In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) is repurposing decommissioned satellite communication antennas to strengthen the capabilities of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT).

The antennas, earlier used by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (formerly Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited), are located near Arvi on the Narayangaon-Junnar route. They were once part of India's international satellite communication network but became obsolete following the shift to optical fibre technology. Recognising their potential, the NCRA began the process of acquiring and relocating them a few months ago.

The facility originally had three large antennas - two with a diameter of 32 metres ...