ISRO: History, Projects, and Contributions
- Mohan Krishna
- Sep 16, 2025
- 4 min read
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is one of the world’s leading space organizations, known for cost-effective yet highly successful space missions. ISRO has played a vital role in strengthening India’s position in space science, satellite technology, and applications that benefit national development.
History of ISRO
1962 – INCOSPAR: India’s space journey began when Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the Father of the Indian Space Programme, set up the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the Department of Atomic Energy.
1963 – First Rocket Launch: The first sounding rocket was launched from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram.
1969 – Birth of ISRO: INCOSPAR was reorganized, and ISRO was officially established on 15 August 1969, with Dr. Sarabhai as its founding father.
1972 – Department of Space (DoS): ISRO came under the newly formed Department of Space, directly under the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasizing the importance of space technology for national development.
ISRO: History, Projects, and Contributions
Leaders:
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai – Visionary who emphasized the use of space for societal benefit.
Dr. Satish Dhawan – Strengthened ISRO post-Sarabhai’s demise, building long-term projects.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – Developed India’s Satellite Launch Vehicles (SLVs).
Prof. U.R. Rao, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Dr. K. Sivan, and Shri S. Somanath – Leaders who further expanded ISRO’s projects and international collaborations.
Major Projects of ISRO
ISRO has undertaken numerous projects in the fields of satellite communication, remote sensing, navigation, space exploration, and launch vehicles. Some landmark missions include:
1. Satellite Launch Vehicles
SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle): India’s first experimental launch vehicle (1980), which successfully placed Rohini Satellite (RS-1) in orbit.
ASLV (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle): Improved capacity, developed in the 1980s.
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): The workhorse of ISRO, capable of launching multiple satellites into polar orbits. Famous for launching 104 satellites in one mission (2017), a world record.
GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Developed for heavy payloads and communication satellites.
GSLV Mk III / LVM3: India’s most powerful launcher, used for Chandrayaan-2 and Gaganyaan (upcoming human spaceflight mission).
2. Satellite Programs
Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite, launched with Soviet assistance.
INSAT Series: Multipurpose geostationary satellites for communication, TV broadcasting, weather forecasting, and disaster warning.
IRS Series (Indian Remote Sensing Satellites): Pioneering earth observation satellites for agriculture, water resource management, urban planning, and forestry.
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation): India’s indigenous regional navigation system, similar to GPS.
GSAT Series: Communication satellites for telecommunication, TV, and internet connectivity.
3. Space Exploration Missions
Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India’s first lunar mission that discovered water molecules on the moon.
Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013): India’s first interplanetary mission; India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to succeed in its maiden attempt at extremely low cost.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Aimed to soft-land near the lunar south pole. The orbiter is still operational and sending data.
Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Historic mission – ISRO achieved a successful soft landing near the lunar south pole, making India the first country to reach this region and the fourth nation to land on the moon.
Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first dedicated solar mission, placed at the Lagrange point (L1) to study the Sun.
Gaganyaan (Upcoming): India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission, expected in the coming years.
4. International Collaborations
ISRO has launched satellites for over 30 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and smaller nations. It provides cost-effective launch services, making India a trusted global space partner.
There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or planets. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society." Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Father of the Indian Space Programme
Contributions of ISRO
ISRO’s contributions extend beyond space exploration and have impacted national development, technology, and global space leadership:
Communication Revolution: Through INSAT satellites, ISRO transformed India’s telecommunications, broadcasting, and internet connectivity.
Agriculture & Resource Management: Remote sensing satellites help in crop monitoring, irrigation planning, forest management, and disaster response.
Disaster Management: Satellite-based weather monitoring has improved cyclone predictions and disaster relief coordination.
Education & Health: ISRO’s EDUSAT (2004) enabled distance learning and telemedicine services across rural India.
Navigation & Transportation: NavIC enhances road, rail, and marine navigation in India.
Defense & Security: Satellites like GSAT-7 support Indian Navy and armed forces with secure communication.
Cost-Effective Space Missions: ISRO is globally respected for achieving complex missions at a fraction of international costs. For example, Mangalyaan was completed at just $74 million, less than the budget of many Hollywood movies.
Boost to Global Space Industry: By launching satellites for other nations, India has positioned itself as a commercial hub for satellite launches.
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