INDIA IN SPACE : (1962 to 2025)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stands as a testament to India's prowess in space
exploration, evolving from modest beginnings to achieving remarkable milestones. Here's an in-
depth overview of ISRO's journey, technological advancements, satellite programs, and future
endeavors up to April 2025.
?Foundation and Early History
• 1962: The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established
under the Department of Atomic Energy, spearheaded by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
• 1969: ISRO was formed, succeeding INCOSPAR, with the vision to harness space
technology for national development.
• 1975: India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, marking its entry into space exploration.
? Major Achievements Timeline (1975–April 2025)
• 1980: SLV-3 successfully placed Rohini Satellite RS-1 into orbit, making India the sixth
country to achieve orbital launch capability.
• 1994: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) had its first successful launch, becoming
ISRO's workhorse for satellite deployments.
• 2008: Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar mission, discovered water molecules on the Moon's
surface.
• 2013: The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was launched, making India the first Asian
nation to reach Mars orbit and the first globally to do so in its maiden attempt.
• 2017: ISRO set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission using PSLV-
C37.
• 2019: Chandrayaan-2 aimed to explore the lunar south pole; while the orbiter was
successful, the lander faced challenges during descent.
• 2023: Chandrayaan-3 achieved a historic soft landing near the Moon's south pole, making
India the first country to do so. The mission's rover confirmed the presence of sulfur and
other elements, aiding future lunar explorations.
• 2024: ISRO conducted the Space Docking Experiment (Spadex), aiming to dock two
satellites in orbit, a feat previously achieved only by the US, Russia, and China.
?Satellite Launch Technologies
1. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
• Purpose: Deploy satellites into Sun-synchronous and low Earth orbits.
• Configuration: Four-stage vehicle with alternating solid and liquid propulsion systems.
• Notable Missions: Chandrayaan-1, Mangalyaan, and the record-setting 104 satellite launch.
2. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
• Purpose: Place heavier payloads into geostationary transfer orbits.
• Features: Three-stage vehicle with a cryogenic upper stage developed indigenously.
• Notable Missions: Chandrayaan-2 and planned for Gaganyaan human spaceflight missions.
3. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3)
• Purpose: Launch heavier payloads and human missions.
• Capabilities: Can carry up to 4,000 kg to GTO and 10,000 kg to LEO.
• Notable Missions: Chandrayaan-2 and future Gaganyaan missions.
4. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
• Purpose: Deploy small satellites on-demand to low Earth orbits.
• Features: Three solid propulsion stages with a liquid-fueled velocity trimming module.
• Advantage: Quick turnaround time and cost-effective launches.
?Types of Indian Satellites and Their Purposes
1. Earth Observation Satellites (EOS)
• Purpose: Monitor agriculture, forestry, water bodies, and urban development.
• Examples: Resourcesat, Cartosat, Oceansat.
2. Communication Satellites
• Purpose: Facilitate telecommunication, television broadcasting, and internet
services.
• Examples: INSAT series, GSAT series.
3. Navigation Satellites
• Purpose: Provide accurate positioning and timing information.
• System: NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
4. Scientific Satellites
• Purpose: Conduct space and planetary research.
• Examples: Astrosat (multi-wavelength space observatory), Chandrayaan missions,
Mangalyaan.
5. Defense Satellites
• Purpose: Enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and secure communication for
defense purposes.
• Examples: RISAT series, GSAT-7 series.
? Key Technologies Behind ISRO's Success
• Cryogenic Engine Technology: Development of indigenous cryogenic engines like CE-7.5
and CE-20 for GSLV variants.
• Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV): Testing of RLV-TD to develop cost-effective and
reusable space vehicles.
• Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE): Demonstrated re-entry and recovery
capabilities, crucial for human spaceflight missions.
• Autonomous Navigation: Implementation of autonomous systems for satellite docking and
interplanetary missions.
? Future Projects and Plans
• Gaganyaan Mission: India's first manned space mission aiming to send astronauts into
space using the LVM3 launch vehicle.
• Aditya-L1: A solar mission to study the Sun's corona and its impact on space weather.
• Shukrayaan-1: A proposed mission to study Venus's atmosphere and surface.
• NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR): A collaborative mission with NASA to
study Earth's ecosystems, ice mass, and natural hazards.
• Space Station: Plans to establish an Indian space station by the 2030s to conduct long-
duration space missions.
