Table of Contents
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established on August 15, 1969, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, widely regarded as the father of India’s space program. The foundation of ISRO marked the beginning of India’s ambitious space journey, with a strong focus on utilizing space technology for national development and scientific advancement.
From its humble origins, ISRO has evolved into a key player in global space exploration, earning recognition for its innovative approaches and cost-effective missions.
1. Aryabhata (1975)
Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, was successfully launched on April 19, 1975, from the Soviet Union’s Kapustin Yar using a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle. Weighing 360 kilograms, it was designed for scientific research in X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and aeronomy.
Although technical issues led to data loss after reaching orbit, Aryabhata remained a groundbreaking achievement for ISRO. This historic mission marked India’s entry into space exploration, providing invaluable insights into satellite design, development, and operation, and laying the foundation for future advancements in space technology.
2. SLV-3 (1980)
Launched on July 18, 1980, the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3) was India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle. It successfully placed the Rohini satellite into orbit, marking India’s first homegrown satellite launch. The success of SLV-3 demonstrated India’s capability to design and develop its own launch vehicles, paving the way for more advanced space missions. This historic achievement was a milestone for ISRO, solidifying its position as a rising force in global space exploration.
3. RISAT-1 (2012)
Launched on April 26, 2012, aboard a PSLV-C19 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, RISAT-1 was India’s first radar imaging satellite. Operating in the C-band, it provides all-weather surveillance, making it essential for agriculture, forestry, soil moisture estimation, and disaster management. Equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), RISAT-1 can capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, even through clouds and rain. This advanced capability is vital for monitoring natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. The satellite has significantly boosted India’s remote sensing abilities, offering crucial data for both civilian and strategic applications.
4. Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) (2013)
Mangalyaan, also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), is a landmark achievement in India’s space exploration. Launched on November 5, 2013, it made India the first country to reach Mars orbit on its first attempt, a feat accomplished by ISRO. The mission gained global attention for its cost-effectiveness, with a budget of just $74 million, making it one of the most affordable Mars missions in history.
The primary objective of Mangalyaan was to develop technology for interplanetary exploration. It carried five scientific instruments to analyze the Martian surface, atmosphere, and mineral composition. One of its significant findings was the observation of dust storms on Mars, offering valuable insights into the planet’s climate and potential for future missions.
This mission highlighted ISRO’s capability to manage complex space projects efficiently, earning global recognition. Mangalyaan remains an inspiration, showcasing India’s growing expertise in space technology and reinforcing ISRO’s position as a major player in global space exploration.
5. GSLV and GSAT Missions (2013, 2018)
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) series, developed by ISRO, marks a significant milestone in India’s space technology, enabling the launch of heavier payloads into geostationary orbit. The series began with GSLV-D1 in 2001, demonstrating India’s growing expertise in satellite launch systems. Key missions include GSLV-F04 (2007), which successfully deployed INSAT-4CR, and GSLV-D5 (2014), which showcased India’s indigenous cryogenic upper-stage development. The GSLV Mk III-D1 mission (2017) further strengthened ISRO’s capabilities by launching GSAT-19, India’s heaviest satellite. Additionally, GSLV Mk III played a crucial role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission (2019), reinforcing its importance in India’s space exploration efforts.
GSAT-6A, launched on March 29, 2018, aboard a GSLV Mk II rocket from Sriharikota, was an S-band communication satellite designed to enhance mobile communication services across India’s remote and underserved regions. It featured a unique unfurlable antenna, one of the largest deployed by ISRO, to improve connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. Despite losing contact shortly after launch due to a power system anomaly, GSAT-6A highlighted ISRO’s commitment to advancing India’s communication infrastructure.
On August 30, 2013, GSAT-7, also known as Rukmini, was launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Designed for the Indian Navy, it enhances maritime communication and provides secure, real-time connectivity across the Indian Ocean Region. The satellite ensures seamless communication between naval vessels, submarines, and aircraft, playing a vital role in India’s maritime security. This mission underscores ISRO’s ability to support defence applications through advanced space technology.
6. PSLV and Its C37 Mission (2017)
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), first launched in 1993, is India’s most reliable and versatile launch vehicle, developed by ISRO. It has successfully deployed numerous satellites into polar orbits, becoming a crucial part of India’s space program. Renowned for its cost-effectiveness and precision, PSLV has launched satellites for both Indian and international clients. One of its most significant milestones was the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, making India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit. The PSLV’s consistent performance has earned it the reputation of being one of the world’s most reliable launch vehicles.
On February 15, 2017, ISRO’s PSLV-C37 set a world record by deploying 104 satellites in a single mission. This groundbreaking achievement included the primary payload, Cartosat-2D, an Earth observation satellite, along with 103 smaller nano-satellites from various countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan. This mission showcased ISRO’s advanced launch technology, proving PSLV’s reliability and versatility, making it a preferred choice for satellite launches worldwide. The success of PSLV-C37 highlighted India’s expanding role in the commercial space sector and ISRO’s expertise in handling complex multi-satellite deployments efficiently.
7. NAVIC (2018)
The NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system, which became fully operational in 2018, is India’s indigenous satellite-based navigation system, designed to function similarly to the US Global Positioning System (GPS). The project commenced with the launch of IRNSS-1A on July 1, 2013, and consists of seven satellites positioned in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits.
NAVIC provides precise positioning data across India and surrounding regions, covering up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders. It plays a vital role in national security, disaster management, and navigation in remote areas, ensuring India’s self-reliance in navigation and positioning services. This system enhances transportation, marine navigation, and emergency response, solidifying India’s strategic capabilities in space-based navigation.
8. Chandrayaan Missions (2008, 2019 and 2023)
India’s Chandrayaan missions have achieved significant milestones in lunar exploration, starting with Chandrayaan-1, launched on October 22, 2008. This mission provided crucial insights into the presence of water molecules on the Moon.
Following this success, Chandrayaan-2, launched on July 22, 2019, aimed to explore the Moon’s south pole, focusing on surface mapping and mineral composition.
Building upon these achievements, Chandrayaan-3 was designed to accomplish a successful soft landing, further enhancing India’s contributions to lunar science and cementing ISRO’s position in global space exploration.
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Launched on October 22, 2008, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first mission to the Moon. This groundbreaking mission carried 11 scientific instruments from global space agencies, including NASA, ESA, and Bulgaria, to conduct an in-depth study of the lunar surface.
The most significant discovery of Chandrayaan-1 was the presence of water molecules on the Moon, particularly in the permanently shadowed craters near the poles. This revolutionary finding reshaped our understanding of the Moon’s composition and opened new possibilities for future space exploration and even the potential for human habitation.
- Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Building on the success of Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22, 2019, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a GSLV Mk III rocket. This ambitious mission aimed to explore the Moon’s south pole, a region that had not been extensively studied before.
Chandrayaan-2 consisted of three key components: an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover called Pragyan. Although the Vikram lander encountered difficulties during its descent, the orbiter successfully collected valuable data, including high-resolution images and crucial insights into the Moon’s exosphere.
This mission played a pivotal role in advancing India’s space technology, significantly contributing to our understanding of the lunar environment and reinforcing ISRO’s expertise in deep-space exploration.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Launched on July 14, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 represented ISRO’s renewed effort to achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon. This mission, focused on the lunar south pole, followed the path of Chandrayaan-2 but featured a simplified design, consisting of only a lander and a rover, without an orbiter.
On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 made history by successfully landing near the Moon’s south pole, making India the first country to achieve a soft landing in this challenging region. This remarkable achievement reinforced ISRO’s growing expertise in space exploration and highlighted India’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery on a global scale.
9. Aditya-L1 (2023)
Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated solar mission, was successfully launched on September 2, 2023. This groundbreaking mission is designed to study the Sun’s outer layers, including the corona, chromosphere, and photosphere.
By analyzing solar activities and their impact on space weather, Aditya-L1 will contribute significantly to global research on solar phenomena and their effects on Earth. This mission underscores India’s expanding role in space science and its dedication to unravelling the mysteries of our solar system.
10. NAVIC (2018)
NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which became fully operational in 2018, is India’s indigenous satellite-based navigation system, similar to the US Global Positioning System (GPS). The project began with the launch of IRNSS-1A on July 1, 2013, and consists of seven satellites in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits.
NAVIC provides precise location data across India and surrounding regions up to 1,500 kilometres, playing a vital role in national security, disaster management, and navigation in remote areas. This system reinforces India’s self-reliance in navigation technology, reducing dependence on foreign services.
Conclusion
These groundbreaking missions have greatly enhanced India’s technological expertise and contributed to expanding global scientific knowledge. As ISRO continues to push the frontiers of space exploration and innovation, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for future scientists, engineers, and visionaries, further strengthening India’s position as a key player in the global space arena.
The upcoming missions—Gaganyaan, Shukrayaan, and NISAR—mark the next phase of India’s space journey. Gaganyaan aims to send Indian astronauts into space, Shukrayaan will explore Venus, and NISAR will enhance Earth observation capabilities. These ambitious projects will drive technological advancements and broaden scientific understanding. As ISRO continues to innovate, these missions will inspire future generations and reinforce India’s leadership in space exploration.
