Indian Space Research Organisation
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India’s national space agency, responsible for the design, development, and application of space technology for national development and scientific exploration. Operating under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India, ISRO has evolved into one of the world’s leading space organisations, recognised for its cost-effective innovations, indigenous technologies, and contributions to communication, remote sensing, navigation, and planetary exploration.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, ISRO’s primary vision is to “harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.”
Historical Background
The foundation of ISRO can be traced to India’s post-independence vision of self-reliance in science and technology.
- 1962: Establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the Department of Atomic Energy, led by Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, considered the Father of the Indian Space Programme.
- 1963: The first sounding rocket was launched from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- 1969: INCOSPAR was reorganised into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to institutionalise India’s space activities.
- 1972: The Department of Space (DoS) was created, and ISRO was brought under it.
- 1975: India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, with Soviet assistance.
Since then, ISRO has steadily built its indigenous capability, moving from simple sounding rockets to advanced satellite launches, lunar and planetary missions, and commercial satellite services.
Objectives and Vision
The broad objectives of ISRO are:
- Space Technology Development: To design and develop launch vehicles, satellites, and ground systems.
- Space Applications for Development: To use space-based systems for communication, weather forecasting, disaster management, and natural resource mapping.
- Scientific Research: To conduct research in space science, astronomy, and planetary exploration.
- International Cooperation: To collaborate with other nations and space agencies in peaceful space exploration.
- Commercialisation: To promote self-sustaining commercial activities through space-based services and products.
ISRO’s motto, “Space technology in the service of humankind,” reflects its focus on socio-economic progress rather than militarisation or competition.
Organisational Structure
ISRO functions under the Department of Space (DoS), which directly reports to the Prime Minister of India through the Space Commission.
Key Components:
- Chairman, ISRO: Serves concurrently as the Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission.
- Space Commission: Formulates policies and oversees implementation.
- Centres and Units: Specialised research and operational centres across India handle different aspects of the space programme.
Major ISRO Centres and Units
| Centre / Unit | Location | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) | Thiruvananthapuram | Launch vehicle design and development. |
| Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) | Thiruvananthapuram & Bengaluru | Development of liquid propulsion systems. |
| U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) | Bengaluru | Satellite design, assembly, and testing. |
| Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) | Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh | Launch operations and range facilities. |
| ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) | Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu | Engine testing and cryogenic propulsion. |
| Space Applications Centre (SAC) | Ahmedabad | Development of payloads for communication, remote sensing, and meteorology. |
| National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) | Hyderabad | Remote sensing and GIS data applications. |
| ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) | Bengaluru | Satellite tracking and mission control. |
| Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) | Bengaluru | Development of India’s crewed space missions. |
| Antrix Corporation / NSIL | Bengaluru | Commercial arm for space products and services. |
Major Achievements and Milestones
1. Satellite Development
ISRO has developed multiple series of satellites for communication, remote sensing, navigation, and meteorology:
- INSAT / GSAT: Communication and meteorology satellites.
- IRS: Indian Remote Sensing satellites for earth observation.
- NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation): India’s indigenous satellite navigation system.
- RISAT, CARTOSAT, and OCEANSAT series: Used for resource management and disaster monitoring.
2. Launch Vehicle Programmes
ISRO has developed a family of indigenous launch vehicles:
| Launch Vehicle | Description | Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) | India’s first experimental launcher (1979–83). | 40 kg to LEO |
| ASLV (Augmented SLV) | Intermediate test vehicle. | 150 kg to LEO |
| PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) | Most reliable launcher, used for earth observation and interplanetary missions. | 1,750 kg to SSO |
| GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) | Used for heavier communication satellites. | 2,500 kg to GTO |
| GSLV Mk III (LVM3) | Heaviest launcher, used for Chandrayaan-2 and crewed mission plans. | 4,000 kg to GTO |
Landmark Space Missions
- Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite, marking the start of the Indian space age.
- Bhaskara I & II (1979, 1981): Earth observation satellites for remote sensing.
- INSAT Series (1983 onwards): Provided telecom, broadcasting, and meteorology services.
- IRS Series (1988 onwards): Pioneered remote sensing applications in agriculture, forestry, and water management.
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India’s first lunar mission; discovered water molecules on the Moon.
- Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission, 2013): India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to do so in its maiden attempt.
- Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Attempted a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole; orbiter continues to function successfully.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved India’s first successful soft landing on the Moon’s south pole, making India the fourth nation to land on the Moon.
- Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar mission launched to study the Sun’s corona and solar wind.
- Gaganyaan Mission (ongoing): India’s first crewed space mission, planned for launch in the mid-2020s.
Space Applications
ISRO’s space technology is applied across a wide range of developmental sectors:
- Communication and Broadcasting: Satellite TV, tele-education, telemedicine.
- Remote Sensing: Agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and resource management.
- Disaster Management: Satellite-based early warning systems for floods, cyclones, and forest fires.
- Navigation: NAVIC system for transport, logistics, and national security.
- Meteorology: Weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
- Defence and Security: Coordination with DRDO and armed forces for surveillance and strategic applications.
International Cooperation
ISRO maintains partnerships with various international space agencies and organisations, including:
- NASA (USA) – Joint missions and data sharing.
- Roscosmos (Russia) – Crew training and launch vehicle collaboration.
- CNES (France) – Satellite payload and mission cooperation.
- ESA (Europe) – Ground tracking and technical exchange.
- JAXA (Japan) – Lunar and planetary missions.
ISRO also supports commercial satellite launches for foreign clients through Antrix Corporation and its newer entity NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Over 400 foreign satellites have been launched using PSLV rockets, establishing India as a reliable global launch service provider.
Recent Developments
- Chandrayaan-3 Success (2023):India became the first country to land near the lunar south pole, achieving global acclaim for technological innovation.
- Aditya-L1 (2023):Successfully launched to study solar activity and its impact on space weather.
- Gaganyaan Programme:Preparations for India’s first human spaceflight mission include uncrewed test flights, astronaut training, and indigenous life-support systems.
- NewSpace India Limited (NSIL):Established in 2019 as ISRO’s commercial arm to handle satellite launches, marketing, and industrial participation in space technology.
- Privatisation and Space Startups:The Government of India opened the space sector to private participation under the IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) framework, encouraging startups and innovation in space technology.
Budget and Economic Impact
ISRO operates one of the most cost-efficient space programmes in the world. For instance:
- The Mars Orbiter Mission (2013) cost approximately ₹450 crore, significantly less than similar global missions.
- The Chandrayaan-3 mission (2023) cost about ₹615 crore, demonstrating high efficiency.
Beyond scientific achievements, ISRO contributes significantly to:
- National GDP through space-based communication and navigation services.
- Employment generation in high-technology sectors.
- Global reputation for innovation and affordable technology.
Future Missions and Vision
ISRO’s roadmap for the next decade includes:
- Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight Mission): Planned crewed flight by mid-2020s.
- NISAR (NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar): Joint Earth observation mission with NASA.
- Chandrayaan-4 (Lunar Sample Return Mission).
- Shukrayaan (Venus Orbiter Mission): Proposed mission to study the atmosphere of Venus.
- Space Station Programme (Bharatiya Antariksha Station): Planned to be established in the 2030s.
- Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): Development of cost-effective launch systems.