The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India’s national space agency. Established in 1969, ISRO has grown into one of the world’s most efficient and cost-effective space agencies. It works under the Department of Space, which directly reports to the Prime Minister of India.
Origin and History of ISRO
- Early Space Research (1962): India’s space journey began with the establishment of INCOSPAR, under the Department of Atomic Energy. Visionary scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai played a key role.
- Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Kerala became the site of the first rocket launch in 1963.
- Formation of ISRO (1969): ISRO was formed to expand India’s space activities with its HQ in Bengaluru.
Objective of ISRO
ISRO’s main goal is the development and application of space technology for national development in areas like:
- Communication
- Meteorology
- Agriculture
- Education
- Navigation
- Earth observation
Key ISRO Centres
Centre | Location | Function |
VSSC | Thiruvananthapuram | Builds launch vehicles |
URSC | Bengaluru | Satellite development |
SDSC (SHAR) | Sriharikota | Satellite launches |
LPSC | Valiamala, Bengaluru | Cryogenic engine development |
SAC | Ahmedabad | Sensor and payload development |
NRSC | Hyderabad | Remote sensing and data services |
Launch Vehicles of ISRO
- PSLV: Workhorse for launching satellites into polar orbit.
- GSLV: Used for heavier satellites in geostationary orbit.
- LVM3 (GSLV Mk III): Heavy-lift launcher, also used in Chandrayaan-3.
Satellite Programs
Category | Details |
Communication | INSAT & GSAT series support TV, telecom, and disaster warnings |
Earth Observation | Bhaskara, IRS, CARTOSAT, RISAT, and Oceansat monitor agriculture, water, land, and climate |
Navigation | GAGAN (aided GPS) and NavIC (India’s own GPS system) |
Experimental | Aryabhata (1975), Rohini (first SLV launch) |
Small Satellites | YOUTHSAT, Microsat for quick missions and education |
ISRO's Major Missions
- Mangalyaan (2013): Mars Orbiter Mission, world’s most economical Mars mission.
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water molecules on the Moon.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successfully landed near the lunar south pole.
- Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar observatory.
- ASTROSAT (2015): India’s first astronomy satellite.
Upcoming Missions
- Gaganyaan: India’s first human spaceflight mission.
- XPoSat: X-ray Polarimeter Satellite.
- NISAR: Joint NASA-ISRO satellite for earth monitoring.
- SPADEX: Satellite docking experiment.
- India’s Space Station: Planned by 2035, astronauts may stay up to 15–20 days.
Challenges Faced by ISRO
- Limited Budget: Operates at around $1.45 billion, much lower than global peers.
- Market Share: India’s share in the global space market is only ~2%.
- Space Debris: Growing concern due to increasing launches.
- Legislative Gap: The Space Activities Bill (2017) lapsed, creating legal uncertainties.
- Dependency on Foreign Satellites: Some communication transponders are still leased.
- Talent Retention: Difficulty attracting top talent due to global competition.
Opportunities Ahead
- Growing Space Economy: Global space industry expected to cross $550 billion by 2025.
- Rise of Private Space Startups: Enabled by initiatives like IN-SPACe, Digital India, and Start-Up India.
- Small Satellite Launches: High global demand, expected 17,000 small satellites by 2030.
- Legislative Reforms: New laws can attract investment and enhance private participation.
Conclusion
ISRO stands as a symbol of Indian scientific brilliance, innovation, and resilience. From humble beginnings with rockets transported on bicycles, it has reached the Moon, Mars, and now the Sun. With its future manned missions and plans for a space station, ISRO continues to inspire millions of Indians and strengthens India’s presence in the global space community.
UPSC Prelims Questions
Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully.
2. India's first solar mission is Aditya-L1.
3. LPSC is responsible for cryogenic engine development.
4. GSAT satellites are used for weather observation.
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
C. 3 and 4 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Q2. Which of the following centres is responsible for developing India’s cryogenic engine technology?
A. VSSC
B. URSC
C. LPSC
D. NRSC
Q3. Match the following ISRO Missions with their objectives:
| Mission | Objective |
|---|---|
| A. Mangalyaan | 2. Mars Orbiter Mission |
| B. Aditya-L1 | 1. Solar Observatory |
| C. Chandrayaan-3 | 3. Lunar South Pole Landing |
| D. ASTROSAT | 4. Astronomy observation satellite |
Q4. Which of the following are Earth observation satellites launched by ISRO?
1. CARTOSAT
2. RISAT
3. Oceansat
4. GSAT
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. All four
Q5. Consider the following pairs:
| Centre | Function |
|---|---|
| VSSC | Satellite Design |
| SDSC | Launch Operations |
| SAC | Remote sensing data dissemination |
Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 2 only
D. 1 and 3 only
UPSC Mains Questions
GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology
1. India’s space program has moved from launch pad dependency to becoming a global space service provider.
Discuss the evolution of ISRO and the factors behind its growing global credibility.
GS Paper 3 – Achievements of Indians in Science & Tech
2. Highlight the major challenges faced by ISRO in sustaining its competitive edge in the global space economy. Suggest measures to overcome these challenges.
GS Paper 2 – International Relations + GS 3 overlap
3. “India’s space exploration is a symbol of scientific diplomacy and strategic autonomy.”
Evaluate this statement with examples from India’s recent space missions and international collaborations.
GS Paper 3 – Internal Security & Tech
4. Discuss the significance of indigenous navigation systems like NavIC for India’s strategic and civilian applications.
GS Paper 3
5. With Gaganyaan and Space Station in the pipeline, India’s space policy is entering a new era. Examine the implications for national development, security, and private sector participation.
