Indian Space Program

The Indian Space Program has evolved into a symbol of technological prowess and strategic advancement, making significant strides since its inception in the early 1960s. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India’s national space agency. The founding of ISRO in 1969 marked the beginning of the Indian Space Program.

In this article, we will learn about the Indian Space Program, along with its historical background, objectives, achievements, and recent developments in the Indian Space Program and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

What is the Indian Space Program?

The Indian Space Program became officially recognized in November 1969, when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established. The Indian Space Program is one of the largest in the world, planning, building, launching, operating, and tracking satellites, rockets, and lunar and interplanetary probes.

In September of 1972, ISRO was placed under the Department of Space (DOS), which had been formed the previous year. One of ISRO’s goals is to support science and science education in India. The Department of Space is in charge of astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, space sciences, and remote sensing research centers and organizations. 92 launch missions and 125 spacecraft missions have been completed by ISRO. Gaganyaan (manned/robotic) and Interplanetary missions like Chandrayaan-4, Shukrayaan, Mangalyaan-2 (MOM 2), and the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission are among the planned missions.

Historical Background of the Indian Space Program

India’s journey into space began with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. The first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975, marking the country’s entry into the league of spacefaring nations. Since then, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has been at the forefront of numerous groundbreaking achievements.

Objectives of the Indian Space Program

The Indian Space Program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), encompasses a set of well-defined goals and objectives aimed at harnessing space technology for the betterment of society, national development, and scientific advancements. Here are the primary goals and objectives of the Indian Space Program:

• Communication and Broadcasting: Enhance communication infrastructure through advanced communication satellites to provide reliable services across the country, connecting remote areas and facilitating information dissemination.
• Earth Observation: Monitor and study Earth’s surface and atmosphere for resource management, environmental monitoring, and disaster mitigation through the development and deployment of remote sensing satellites.
• Navigation and Positioning: Establish an independent regional navigation system, known as Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), to provide accurate and reliable positioning and navigation services over India and the surrounding region.
• Space Exploration: Conduct space missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and upcoming lunar exploration missions (Chandrayaan), to expand scientific knowledge and showcase technological capabilities.
• Technology Development: Foster indigenous development of cutting-edge space technologies, ensuring self-reliance and innovation in satellite design, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and space science instrumentation.
• International Collaboration: Engage in collaborative efforts with global space agencies and organizations to foster international cooperation, share knowledge, and participate in joint space missions.
• Strategic Applications: Leverage space technology for strategic and defence applications, enhancing national security through the use of space-based assets for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic communication.
• Commercial Ventures: Enter the global commercial space market, providing cost-effective launch services for international clients and generating revenue for further space exploration and research.
• Human Spaceflight: Develop capabilities for human spaceflight, aiming to send Indian astronauts into space, contributing to human space exploration, and showcasing India’s technological prowess.
• Societal Development: Utilize space technology to address societal needs, contribute to socioeconomic development, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Achievements of the Indian Space Program

The achievements of Indian Space Program are as follows:

• Satellite Launch Vehicles: One of the cornerstones of India’s space program is its robust launch vehicle capabilities. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) have become workhorses for ISRO, facilitating the deployment of a myriad of satellites for communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research. The PSLV, in particular, has gained international acclaim for its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
• Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): In 2013, India achieved a historic milestone with the successful insertion of the Mars Orbiter Mission into Martian orbit, making it the first Asian nation to reach the Red Planet and the first in the world to do so on its maiden attempt. Mangalyaan showcased India’s capability to conduct complex interplanetary missions with precision.
• NavIC – India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System: India has also made significant strides in the realm of navigation technology with the establishment of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC). This independent regional navigation system enhances the accuracy and reliability of positioning information over India and the surrounding region, providing a strategic advantage for various sectors.

How much does India spend on the Space Program?

In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received a budget of approximately 13,949 crore Indian Rupees (equivalent to 1.9 billion US dollars). It’s worth noting that this funding encompasses a variety of endeavors, such as satellite launches, expeditions into space, research and development, and the overall operations of ISRO.

Recent Development of the Indian Space Program

Chandrayan is India’s latest lunar exploration program, initiated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The program aims to explore the Moon and advance scientific understanding of Earth’s natural satellites. Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, was India’s first lunar probe, and it made significant discoveries, including evidence of water molecules on the lunar surface.

The success of Chandrayaan-1 laid the groundwork for subsequent missions. Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, is an ambitious follow-up mission that includes an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a lunar rover named Pragyan. While Vikram’s attempted soft landing on the Moon faced challenges, the orbiter continued to study and analyze the lunar surface, providing valuable data for lunar exploration and scientific research.

Chandrayaan-3 was the subsequent mission following Chandrayaan-2, with the primary aim of demonstrating the complete process of safely landing on the Moon and roving on its surface. This mission included a Lander and Rover, which were launched into space by the LVM3 rocket from SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota. The propulsion module carried the Lander and Rover to a lunar orbit approximately 100 km away from the moon’s surface. Notably, the propulsion module housed a payload called Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE), dedicated to studying Earth’s spectral and polarimetric measurements from the Moon’s orbit. This mission represented a significant step in India’s lunar exploration endeavours.

About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India. It operates as the primary research and development arm of the Department of Space (DoS), which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India while the Chairman of ISRO also acts as the executive of DoS. ISRO is primarily responsible for performing tasks related to space-based operations, space exploration, international space cooperation and the development of related technologies.

Conclusion – Indian Space Program

India’s space program stands as a testament to the nation’s scientific and technological prowess, contributing to advancements in communication, Earth observation, navigation, and space exploration. With a commitment to innovation, international collaboration, and addressing societal challenges, India’s journey into space continues to inspire the world and pave the way for a promising future on the cosmic frontier.

People Also Read:

• Upcoming ISRO Missions
• List of Indian Satellites (1975-2023)
• Important Indian Satellites Launched by ISRO

FAQs on Indian Space Program

Does India have a Space Program?

Yes, India has a flourishing space program, which is run by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This organization, which started in 1969, has established itself as a leading force in the world of space exploration and satellite missions. The Indian Space Program carries out several activities, including satellite launches, interplanetary expeditions, and various applications in communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research.

Who is known as the father of Indian Space program?

The founder of the Indian Space Program was Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, laying the foundation for India’s entry into space exploration.

What is the full form of ISRO?

ISRO stands for the Indian Space Research Organisation, which is the national space agency of India. Established in 1969, ISRO has been instrumental in spearheading India’s space exploration endeavours, including satellite launches, interplanetary missions, and advancements in space technology.

Who leads the space program in India?

The current secretary and chairman of the Department of Space is Shri S. Somnath. He assumed the position at the Space Commission on January 14, 2022.

Where is ISRO located?

ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization, is headquartered at Antariksh Bhavan in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The organization has multiple facilities across the country, including the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, which serves as a major launch site.

Name the first satellite of India.

The first satellite of India was named Aryabhata, and it was launched on April 19, 1975. Aryabhata marked a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, symbolizing the country’s entry into the realm of satellite technology.