ISRO’s Journey: 125 Missions, 92 Launches, and Beyond

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has charted an extraordinary path, evolving from modest beginnings to a globally recognized leader in space exploration. With 125 spacecraft missions and 92 successful launches under its belt, ISRO has proven its capability to achieve technological marvels that benefit humanity and elevate India's position in the global space arena.

Origins of ISRO: Visionaries Behind the Stars

ISRO, India's state-run space agency, was established on August 15, 1969, replacing the earlier Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), founded in 1962 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. It operates under the Department of Space (DOS), established in 1972, with the aim of leveraging space technology to address national needs such as communication, resource monitoring, meteorology, and navigation.

Infrastructure and Key Centres

ISRO's operations are spread across multiple dedicated centres:

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram: Develops launch vehicles.
• UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru: Designs and develops satellites.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota: Handles integration and launches.
• Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC): Develops liquid and cryogenic propulsion stages.
• Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad: Develops sensors and applications for communication and remote sensing.
• National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad: Processes satellite data for dissemination.

Launch Vehicles and Milestones

ISRO has developed advanced launch vehicles, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). These have enabled ISRO to launch satellites for communication, earth observation, navigation, and scientific exploration. Notable milestones include:

• Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite, launched by the Soviet Union.
• SLV-3 (1980): The first indigenously developed vehicle that launched RS-1, making India the seventh country capable of orbital launches.
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved a historic soft landing near the Moon’s south pole, a first for humanity.

Current Achievements: 125 Spacecraft Missions

ISRO's achievements extend across a wide spectrum:

1. Earth Observation Satellites (EOS): Used for mapping, agriculture, and disaster management.
2. Navigation Satellites: The NavIC system provides regional GPS services.
3. Communication Satellites (GSAT): Facilitate telecommunication and broadcasting.
4. Space Science Missions: Chandrayaan (Moon missions), Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), and Astrosat (India’s first space telescope).

Pioneering Space Exploration

ISRO is among the few agencies globally with capabilities to soft-land spacecraft, launch interplanetary missions, and deploy cryogenic engines. Its success with Chandrayaan-3 has positioned it alongside NASA, Roscosmos, and CNSA in achieving lunar soft landings.

Future Ambitions: Gaganyaan and Beyond

ISRO’s roadmap includes:

• Gaganyaan: India’s first crewed space mission, scheduled for 2025.
• Chandrayaan-4 and Mangalyaan-2: Follow-up missions to explore the Moon and Mars.
• Shukrayaan: A planned mission to Venus, aiming to study its atmosphere and surface.
• India’s Space Station: A long-term goal to establish an independent orbital platform.

Technical Advancements and Global Collaboration

ISRO continues to refine propulsion systems, satellite platforms, and deep-space exploration technologies. It has launched over 400 foreign satellites for global clients, earning India recognition as a cost-effective and reliable space partner.

Conclusion: A Legacy Written in the Stars

From launching the humble Aryabhata to landing on the Moon’s south pole, ISRO has come a long way, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a commitment to scientific progress. With upcoming missions like Gaganyaan and Shukrayaan, ISRO is poised to take its achievements to greater heights, not just for India but for the global community.