The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India, responsible for space research, satellite launch missions, and the development of space technology. Here are some detailed aspects:
1. Formation:
ISRO was founded on August 15, 1969, by Dr.
Vikram Sarabhai, often regarded as the father of the Indian space program. It
succeeded the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which
was established in 1962.
2. Objectives:
The primary objectives of ISRO include
advancing space research and technology, exploring space for peaceful purposes,
harnessing space technology for national development, and providing satellite-based
services for various applications.
3. Satellite Launches:
ISRO has developed and launched
numerous satellites for communication, Earth observation, navigation,
scientific research, and other purposes. The organization operates a range of satellite
launch vehicles, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the more recent GSLV Mk
III, capable of launching heavier payloads into space.
4. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan):
One of ISRO's notable
achievements is the successful launch and insertion of the Mars Orbiter Mission
(MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, into Martian orbit in 2014. India became the
first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the fourth space agency in the world
to do so.
5. Chandrayaan Missions: ISRO has also undertaken lunar
exploration missions, known as Chandrayaan missions. Chandrayaan-1, launched in
2008, was India's first mission to the Moon and made significant discoveries,
including the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-2,
launched in 2019, aimed to explore the Moon's south pole region and further
study lunar geology.
6. Remote Sensing and Earth Observation:
ISRO's satellite
programs for remote sensing and Earth observation play a crucial role in
monitoring natural resources, agriculture, environmental changes, disaster
management, and urban planning. The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite
series and the Resourcesat series are among the key satellites used for these
purposes.
7. Navigation System (IRNSS/NavIC):
ISRO has developed the
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC
(Navigation with Indian Constellation), to provide accurate positioning and
timing information over the Indian region and surrounding areas. NavIC enhances
navigation capabilities for terrestrial, aerial, and maritime applications.
8. International Collaboration:
ISRO collaborates with
various international space agencies, organizations, and research institutions
for joint satellite missions, technology development, and scientific
cooperation. It has launched satellites for other countries and participates in
multilateral space initiatives.
9. Future Endeavors:
ISRO continues to pursue ambitious
space exploration and technology development programs, including missions to
study the Sun, planets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies. The organization
aims to expand its satellite capabilities, space science research, and space
exploration activities in the coming years.
ISRO's achievements have placed India among the leading
space-faring nations and have contributed significantly to the country's
scientific, technological, and socioeconomic advancement.