Concise History of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)

ISRO was formed in 1969, superseding the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) which had been set up in 1962 at the recommendation of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. ISRO was established with an expanded role to harness space technology for India's development.

In 1972, the Government of India set up the Department of Space (DOS) and the Space Commission, bringing ISRO under DOS's purview. This institutionalized space research activities in India and forged the Indian space program into its existing form.

ISRO's early achievements included launching India's first satellite Aryabhata in 1975 with Soviet assistance. In 1980, ISRO launched the Rohini satellite using the indigenously developed Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), making India the sixth nation to launch a satellite with its own rocket.

Over the following decades, ISRO developed increasingly advanced satellite and launch vehicle technologies. Key milestones included the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). ISRO also established major space systems for communication, remote sensing, navigation and meteorology.

ISRO has conducted interplanetary missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars. It has also developed applications of space technology for societal benefits in areas like telemedicine, tele-education, weather forecasting, disaster management and more.

Today, ISRO is one of the six government space agencies in the world with full launch capabilities and a large fleet of satellites. Its programs have played a significant role in India's development and space diplomacy.

The history of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is a story of remarkable progress and achievements, transforming India into a major player in the global space community.

Early Beginnings

1. 1960s: The Visionary Start

   • 1962: The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai under the Department of Atomic Energy to formulate the Indian space program.
   • 1963: India's first rocket launch from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Kerala. The sounding rocket was a Nike-Apache from NASA.

2. 1969: Formation of ISRO

   • August 15, 1969: ISRO was formed, superseding INCOSPAR, with the objective of harnessing space technology for national development.

1970s: Laying the Foundation

3. Satellite and Launch Vehicle Development

   • 1975: India's first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched by the Soviet Union.
   • 1979: The first experimental satellite launch vehicle, SLV-3, was launched, though it did not succeed in placing the payload in orbit.

4. 1980: First Successful Launch

   • 1980: The modified SLV-3 successfully placed the Rohini satellite in orbit, marking India's entry into the club of nations with satellite launch capability.

1980s: Expansion and Innovation

5. Operational Satellites and Remote Sensing

   • 1981: Launch of APPOS, the first experimental geostationary communication satellite.
   • 1988: Launch of INSAT-1C, expanding India's capabilities in telecommunication and meteorology.

6. Development of PSLV and GSLV

   • Development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) began.

1990s: Establishing Capabilities

7. PSLV Success

   • 1993: The first launch of PSLV, although the mission faced challenges, subsequent missions were successful, establishing PSLV as a reliable launch vehicle.

8. GSLV Development

   • 2001: The first successful flight of GSLV, capable of placing heavier payloads into geostationary orbit.

2000s: Major Milestones

9. Chandrayaan-1
   • 2008: Launch of Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar mission, which made significant discoveries, including evidence of water on the Moon.

2010s: Global Recognition

10. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)

    • 2013: Launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), making India the first country to successfully reach Mars orbit on its first attempt.

11. Chandrayaan-2

    • 2019: Launch of Chandrayaan-2, aimed at exploring the south pole of the Moon. While the orbiter successfully entered lunar orbit, the lander faced challenges during descent.

12. Record-breaking PSLV Launch

    • 2017: PSLV-C37 launched 104 satellites in a single mission, setting a world record.

2020s: Future Prospects

13. Gaganyaan Mission

    • Ongoing: Development of Gaganyaan, India's first crewed mission, expected to launch in the coming years.

14. Aditya-L1 Mission

    • Planned: India's first solar mission to study the Sun.

15. Interplanetary Missions

    • Planned: Missions to study Venus and other celestial bodies.

Key Contributions and Impact

• Satellite Technology: Development of satellites for communication, meteorology, and remote sensing has greatly benefited India's telecommunications, weather forecasting, disaster management, and resource mapping.
• International Collaboration: ISRO has launched satellites for various countries, fostering international cooperation and earning revenue.

ISRO’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming a key player in global space exploration showcases its commitment to scientific excellence and national development.

How did the formation of ISRO impact India's space program?

The formation of ISRO in 1969 was a pivotal moment that institutionalized and accelerated India's space program. Here are the key ways it impacted the program:

• ISRO was established to coordinate and expand the space research activities that had begun in the early 1960s under the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). This provided a dedicated organization to drive the program forward.

• In 1972, the Government of India set up the Department of Space (DOS) and the Space Commission, bringing ISRO under DOS's purview. This further strengthened the institutional framework for the space program.

• ISRO's early achievements included launching India's first satellite Aryabhata in 1975 with Soviet assistance. In 1980, ISRO launched the Rohini satellite using the indigenously developed Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), making India the sixth nation to launch a satellite with its own rocket.

• Over the following decades, ISRO developed increasingly advanced satellite and launch vehicle technologies like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This expanded India's space capabilities.

• ISRO established major space systems for communication, remote sensing, navigation and meteorology that have played a significant role in India's development.

• ISRO has conducted interplanetary missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars, demonstrating its growing technological prowess.

How has ISRO's formation influenced India's technological advancements?

The formation of ISRO in 1969 has had a significant impact on advancing India's technological capabilities in the space domain:

• ISRO was established to coordinate and expand the space research activities that had begun in the early 1960s under the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). This provided a dedicated organization to drive the space program forward.

• ISRO's early achievements included launching India's first satellite Aryabhata in 1975 with Soviet assistance, and then launching the Rohini satellite using the indigenously developed Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1980, making India the sixth nation to launch a satellite with its own rocket. This demonstrated India's growing technological prowess.

• Over the following decades, ISRO developed increasingly advanced satellite and launch vehicle technologies like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This expanded India's space capabilities and launch capacities.

• ISRO established major space systems for communication, remote sensing, navigation and meteorology that have played a significant role in India's development. This showcased the practical applications of space technology.

• ISRO has conducted interplanetary missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars, demonstrating its growing technological prowess in space exploration and planetary science.

• ISRO's innovations have also led to spin-off technologies benefiting other sectors like healthcare, with developments such as Ventricular Assist Devices and medical ventilators.