What is India’s Space Agency: ISRO - The Indian Space Research Organisation

The Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, is the national space agency of India. It is one of the six government space agencies in the world with full launch capabilities and has significantly contributed to space exploration and research over the years. The acronym 'ISRO' stands for 'Indian Space Research Organisation.'

History and Formation

India's space programme was initiated in the early 1960s when the applications of satellites were still in experimental stages, both in the United States and elsewhere. The Visionary Dr. Vikram Sarabhai played a crucial role in the formation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was set up by the Government of India in 1962. INCOSPAR then established the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Thiruvananthapuram for upper atmospheric research.

ISRO was formed in 1969, superseding INCOSPAR. Under the leadership of Dr. Sarabhai, ISRO set out to develop space technology independently to support the nation's development. This initiative laid the foundation for India's independent space programme, which includes communication satellites, remote sensing satellites, and launch vehicles.

Headquarters and Leadership

The headquarters of ISRO are located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. ISRO's Chief is Dr. K. Sivan, who also serves as the Chairman of the Indian government's Space Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Space. The launchpad is situated in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Functions and Contributions

ISRO operates through a nationwide network of centres. Some of these include the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad for developing sensors and payloads, the U R Rao Satellite Centre for designing, developing, assembling, and testing satellites, and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram for developing launch vehicles like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geostationary Space Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

Lauches take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Sriharikota Island near Chennai. ISRO also has Master Control Facilities in Hassan and Bhopal for geostationary satellite station keeping, and reception and processing facilities for remote-sensing data at the National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

ISRO's first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975 by the former Soviet Union. The first Indian satellite to be placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, the Satellite Launch Vehicle 3 (SLV-3), was launched in 1980. Since then, ISRO has launched several critical space systems, including the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system for telecommunications, television broadcasting, meteorology, and disaster warning, and the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for resource monitoring and management.

Other notable missions include the development of the Radar Imaging Satellite-1 (RISAT-1) in 2012 and the joint mission with France, the Satellite with Argos and Altika (SARAL), in 2013. ISRO has also developed three heavy lift versions of the GSLV, including the GSLV Mark III or LVM, for putting communications satellites and Earth-observation satellites into orbit. India’s first mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-1, was launched in 2008.

ISRO’s Role in Disaster Management and Telemedicine

ISRO plays a crucial role in disaster management and telemedicine through its satellite services. It supports the nation with communication and earth observation services, develops application-specific satellite products, and provides tools for telemedicine, distance education, and cartography. ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has become a preferred carrier for various countries due to its reliability and cost efficiency. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) was developed to handle heavier and more demanding geostationary communication satellites.

Science and Education

Beyond technological capabilities, ISRO has also contributed to science education and research. Various research centres and autonomous institutions for remote sensing, astronomy, astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, and space sciences function under the Department of Space. ISRO's missions to the Moon and interplanetary space have encouraged and promoted science education and have provided valuable data to the scientific community.

Future Goals and Initiatives

ISRO is dedicated to maintaining an edge in technology and enhancing its existing technologies. Current initiatives include the development of heavy lift launchers, human spaceflight programmes, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, single and two-stage to orbit vehicles, and the use of composite materials for space applications. ISRO's ongoing projects reflect its commitment to achieving complete self-reliance in satellite technologies and services.

In conclusion, ISRO has played a pivotal role in shaping India's space programme. Its achievements in satellite launches, space exploration, and technology development have positioned India as a major player in the global space community.