Indian Space Research Organization
“The development of the nation is intimately linked with understanding and application of science and technology by its people.” – Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
The space research activities were initiated in India during the early 1960’s. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai – the founder of the Indian space programme, envisioned that space research would help address the needs of humankind and lead the nation to progress.
Inception of Space program
Dr. Sarabhai summoned brilliant scientists, anthropologists, communicators, environmentalists and engineers from across the nation to build the Indian space programme that focused on building satellites for communication and remote sensing, space transportation system and application programmes.
He set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) which pioneered the manufacturing sounding rockets in India. He also initiated Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) so as to transmit education to remote regions across India. The Government of India set up the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the leadership of Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Ramanathan. The first Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES) that was set up in 1967 also became a training centre for Indian and international scientists and engineers.
Setting up of ISRO
The time was ripe to harness space technology for India’s development. In 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) replaced INCOSPAR. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre was formed in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh in 1971. The following year, the Department of Space (DoS) was established and ISRO was brought under it. It was now crucial to set up a satellite system that can contribute to the national development. In 1980, ISRO successfully launched its own satellite Rohini-1 from Sriharikota. The launch enlisted India as the eight nation to prove its space technology prowess.
Leap of success
Today, space technology in India has brought immense progress and added the nation into an elite club of developed countries. India has become the sixth largest space agencies in the world. ISRO maintains one of the largest fleet of communication satellites (INSAT) and remote sensing satellites (IRS) for reliable communication, earth observation, satellite navigation, climate and environment. ISRO has also developed two satellite launch vehicles – PSLV and GSLV to place satellites in the Earth’s orbits. The vehicles have become favoured satellite carriers by other nations, thereby fostering international associations.
Contribution towards education
Apart from technological capability, ISRO has immensely contributed to science and education by initiating several autonomous institutions and research centres, promoting studies in astronomy, astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and space sciences. ISRO’s massive lunar missions (Chandrayaan 1 & 2) and planetary mission (Mars Orbiter Mission) has encouraged scientific study and research, further promoting valuable data to the scientific community.
Future ready
With technology as the key to future, ISRO adheres to optimise its development of launchers, human spaceflight projects, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, orbit vehicles, development and use of composite materials for space applications etc. From the humble beginnings to the massive missions, ISRO has grown as an institution of space research.
–Manoj Mahanta
ScienceNow Digital
