Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): Pioneering Space Exploration in India

Introduction to ISRO

• Full Name: Indian Space Research Organisation
• Abbreviation: ISRO
• Established: August 15, 1969
• Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
• Parent Organisation: Department of Space (DoS), Government of India

Foundation and History

• Predecessor: Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), established in 1962
• Initial Motivation: To harness space technology for national development
• Key Milestone: Transition from INCOSPAR to ISRO in 1969

Headquarters and Branches

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Regional Centers and Facilities:
  • Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
  • Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC): Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC): Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR): Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
  • Space Applications Centre (SAC): Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU): Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • Master Control Facility (MCF): Hassan, Karnataka, and Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
  • Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN): Byalalu, Karnataka

Leadership

• Current Chairman: S. Somanath (as of 2024)
• Notable Past Chairmen:
  • Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
  • Prof. Satish Dhawan
  • Dr. K. Kasturirangan
  • Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar
  • Dr. K. Sivan

Objectives and Vision

• Primary Objectives:
  • Develop space technology and its applications for national tasks.
  • Achieve self-reliance in space technology.
  • Promote research and development in space sciences.
• Vision: Harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.

Key Missions and Projects

• Satellite Launch Vehicles:
  • SLV: Satellite Launch Vehicle
  • ASLV: Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
  • PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
  • GSLV: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
  • GSLV Mk III: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III
• Satellite Missions:
  • NSAT Series: Indian National Satellite System
  • GSAT Series: Geostationary Satellites
  • IRS Series: Indian Remote Sensing Satellites
  • NavIC: Navigation with Indian Constellation
  • Cartosat Series: High-resolution Earth observation satellites
• Exploration Missions:
  • Chandrayaan-1: India’s first lunar probe
  • Chandrayaan-2: Second lunar exploration mission
  • Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission): First interplanetary mission to Mars
  • Chandrayaan-3: Upcoming lunar mission
  • Gaganyaan: Manned space mission project
  • Aditya-L1: Solar observation mission

Major Achievements

• First Indian Satellite: Aryabhata, launched in 1975
• First Indigenous Satellite Launch: SLV-3, launched in 1980
• Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): First Asian nation to reach Mars orbit, and the fourth globally
• GSAT-11: India’s heaviest communication satellite
• PSLV: Known for its versatility and reliability, achieving numerous successful launches
• Chandrayaan-1: Confirmed the presence of water molecules on the Moon

Future Prospects and Goals

• Upcoming Missions:
  • Chandrayaan-3: Further lunar exploration
  • Gaganyaan: Human spaceflight mission
  • Aditya-L1: Solar observation mission
  • Mangalyaan-2: Follow-up mission to Mars
• Long-term Goals:
  • Expand space exploration to include missions to other planets and asteroids
  • Develop advanced satellite technologies for better communication and earth observation
  • Strengthen international collaborations and partnerships in space research

Conclusion

ISRO has been a cornerstone in India’s scientific and technological advancements, propelling the nation into the global space arena. With a vision to harness space technology for national development, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and research, making significant contributions to humanity’s understanding of the universe.