The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is India’s space agency, known for its remarkable achievements in space exploration. This is the story of how ISRO began, its history, and its journey so far, as per Author’s best knowledge.
How ISRO Began: The Early Days
Dream of a Visionary:
- In the 1960s, India was a young, developing nation. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a brilliant scientist, dreamed of using space technology to help India grow. He believed space research could solve problems like communication, weather forecasting, and education.
- He is called the “Father of the Indian Space Program.”
First Steps in Space:
- In 1962, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was formed under Dr. Sarabhai’s leadership to start space research.
- The goal was simple: use space for India’s development and progress.
A Small Beginning:
- In 1963, India launched its first rocket, a small sounding rocket, from Thumba, a fishing village in Kerala. The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) was set up with help from countries like the USA, France, and the Soviet Union.
- These rockets were tiny, used to study the atmosphere, but they marked India’s entry into space.
Birth of ISRO:
- In 1969, INCOSPAR became ISRO, officially starting India’s space journey. ISRO’s mission was to develop space technology for India’s needs.
ISRO’s History: Building the Foundation
ISRO grew step by step, facing challenges like limited funds and technology. Here’s how it built its foundation:
1970s: Learning and Experimenting
First Satellite – Aryabhata (1975):
- India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, using a Soviet rocket. It was a proud moment, even though the satellite stopped working after a few days.
Building Rockets:
- ISRO started developing its own rockets, like the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). It was tough, as India had to learn everything from scratch.
SITE Program (1975-76):
- ISRO ran the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) with NASA. It used a US satellite to broadcast educational programs to rural India, showing how space could help people.
1980s: Becoming Independent
First Successful Rocket – SLV-3 (1980):
- ISRO’s SLV-3 successfully launched the Rohini satellite into orbit. India became one of the few countries that could launch its own satellites.
INSAT System (1983):
- The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system began, helping with communication, TV broadcasting, and weather forecasting.
ASLV Development:
- ISRO worked on the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) to carry heavier satellites, though early launches faced failures.
1990s: Growing Stronger
PSLV – The Workhorse (1993):
- The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) became ISRO’s most reliable rocket. Its first successful launch in 1994 was a game-changer.
IRS Satellites:
- The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites were launched for mapping, agriculture, and disaster management.
Learning from Failures:
- ISRO faced setbacks, like ASLV failures, but each failure taught valuable lessons.
2000s: Reaching New Heights
GSLV and Moon Dreams:
- The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) was developed to launch heavier satellites into higher orbits.
- In 2008, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-1, India’s first moon mission, which found water molecules on the moon.
Global Recognition:
- ISRO started launching satellites for other countries, earning money and respect.
ISRO’s Journey So Far: Achievements Year by Year
Here’s a brief timeline of ISRO’s major achievements from its start to 2025, focusing on key milestones:
1963: First sounding rocket launched from Thumba.
1975: Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, launched.
1980: SLV-3 successfully launches Rohini satellite.
1983: INSAT-1B launched, improving communication and weather services.
1994: PSLV’s first successful launch, a major milestone.
2001: GSLV’s first launch (partially successful).
2008: Chandrayaan-1 discovers water molecules on the moon.
2013: Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) launched, making India the first country to reach Mars in its first attempt (successful orbit in 2014).
2014: Mangalyaan enters Mars orbit; ISRO launches IRNSS-1C for India’s own navigation system (NavIC).
2016: ISRO launches 20 satellites in one go, a record at the time.
2017: PSLV launches 104 satellites in a single mission, a world record.
2019:
- Chandrayaan-2 launched; orbiter succeeds, but lander (Vikram) crashes.
- GSLV Mk III successfully launches RISAT-2B.
2020: COVID-19 slows operations, but ISRO launches EOS-01 satellite.
2021: PSLV-C51 launches Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite, strengthening international ties.
2022: SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) debuts, though the first launch fails.
2023:
- Chandrayaan-3 achieves a historic soft landing on the moon’s south pole, making India the first country to do so.
- Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission, launched to study the sun.
2024:
- ISRO launches XPoSat to study black holes and neutron stars.
- Successful test of Gaganyaan’s crew escape system, preparing for India’s first human spaceflight.
2025 (till April):
- ISRO continues work on Gaganyaan, aiming for a manned mission by 2026.
- Plans for Chandrayaan-4 and Venus Orbiter Mission gain momentum.
More About ISRO’s Impact and Future
Why ISRO Matters
- Low-Cost Innovation: ISRO is famous for doing big things with small budgets. For example, Mangalyaan cost just $74 million, much less than other Mars missions.
- Helping India: Satellites like INSAT and IRS help farmers, predict cyclones, and connect remote areas with TV and internet.
- Inspiring the World: ISRO’s success shows developing nations they can achieve great things with hard work and innovation.
Challenges Faced
- Limited Funds: ISRO works with a small budget compared to NASA or ESA.
- Technology Barriers: In the early days, India had to develop everything on its own due to limited global support.
- Failures: Rockets and satellites failed sometimes, but ISRO learned and improved.
Future Plans
- Gaganyaan: India’s first human space mission, planned for 2026, will send astronauts to space.
- Chandrayaan-4: A mission to bring moon samples back to Earth.
- Venus Orbiter Mission: To study Venus by 2028.
- Space Station: ISRO plans a small space station by 2035.
- Reusable Rockets: ISRO is working on rockets that can be reused to save costs.
Fun Facts
- ISRO’s Thumba launch site was chosen because it’s near the equator, perfect for rocket launches.
- The name “Aryabhata” honors an ancient Indian mathematician.
- ISRO’s scientists often work in simple offices, showing that big dreams don’t need fancy buildings.
ISRO’s journey is a story of dreams, hard work, and success. From a small rocket in a fishing village to landing on the moon’s south pole, ISRO has made India proud. Its low-cost, high-impact missions have inspired the world. As ISRO aims for human spaceflight, Venus, and beyond, it continues to show that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
