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{{Infobox government agency
{{Short description|India's national space agency}}
| name = Indian(Bharat) Space Research Organisation
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
| seal =
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2020}}
| seal_size =
{{About|the national space agency|the ministry responsible for the space program|Department of Space|the preceding agency|INCOSPAR|the space industry|Space industry of India}}
| image = Indian Space Research Organisation Logo.svg
{{Infobox space agency
| formed = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1969|8|15}}
| name = Indian Space Research Organisation
| preceding1 = [[Indian National Committee for Space Research|INCOSPAR]]{{small|(1962{{ndash}}1969)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.space.com/indian-space-research-organization.html|title=ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organization|last=Spaceflight|first=Adam Mann 2019-03-01T22:51:45Z|website=Space.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-19}}</ref>
| native_name_r    = {{transl|hi|ISO|Bhāratīya Antarikṣ Anusandhān Saṅgaṭhan}}
| jurisdiction = [[Department of Space]], [[Government of India]]
| logo = Indian Space Research Organisation Logo.svg
| headquarters = [[Bengaluru]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]<br />{{Coord|12|57|56|N|77|41|53|E|type:landmark_region:IN-KA|display=inline,title}}
| logo_size = 150px
| motto =
| logo_caption = ISRO logo (adopted in 2002)<ref name="SpaceIndia_Q2_2002"/><ref name="logo"/>
| employees = 16,072 as of 2018<ref name="AR_2017-18">{{cite web |title = Annual Report 2017-18 |url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/flipping_book/AnnualReport2017-18-en/index.html?p=82&z=1 |website=ISRO.gov.in |accessdate=23 February 2019 }}</ref>
| budget = {{INRConvert|11538.26|c|lk=on}}<small>(2019–20 {{abbr|est.|estimate}})</small><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ub2019-20/eb/sbe91.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2019-06-30 |archive-date=2019-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224062641/https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ub2019-20/eb/sbe91.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| chief1_name = [[K. Sivan]], [[Secretary to the Government of India|Secretary]] ([[Department of Space|Space]]) and chairperson, ISRO<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.dos.gov.in/about-isro/chairman-isro-secretary-dos |title = Chairman ISRO, Secretary DOS |date=|website=Department of Space, [[Government of India]] |access-date=January 23, 2018 }}</ref>
| chief1_position = [[Administrator of ISRO|Administrator]]
| size =  
| caption = ISRO (इसरो) logo (adopted in 2002)<ref name="SpaceIndia_Q2_2002">{{cite web |title = ISRO gets new identity |url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/flipping_book/47-SI-Apr-Jun-2002/files/assets/basic-html/page-15.html |publisher=Indian Space Research Organisation |accessdate=19 August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A 'vibrant' new logo for ISRO |url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/A-vibrant-new-logo-for-Isro/articleshow/19567123.cms |accessdate=19 August 2018 |agency=Times of India |date=19 August 2002 }}</ref>
| acronym = ISRO
| acronym = ISRO
| spaceport = [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]](SHAR), [[Sriharikota]], [[Andhra Pradesh]]{{flag icon|india}}
| parent_agency = [[Department of Space]]
| URL = {{URL|https://www.isro.gov.in/}}
| established = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1969|8|15}}
| seal_cap =  
| preceding1 = [[INCOSPAR]]
| headquarters = [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|12|57|56|N|77|41|53|E|type:landmark_region:IN-KA|display=inline title}}
| employees = 17,099 as of 2021<ref name="AR_2020-21">{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/anual_report_2020-2021_english.pdf|title=Annual Report 2020-21, Department of Space|date=4 March 2021|access-date=4 March 2021}}</ref>
| spaceports = {{hlist|[[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] {{small|(SDSC/SHAR)}}|[[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station]] {{small|(TERLS)}}|[[Kulasekharapatnam]], {{small|(proposed)}}}}
| leader_title = [[Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation|Chairman]]
| leader_name = [[Kailasavadivoo Sivan]] (''ex-officio'')<ref name="SCISRO">{{cite web |url = https://www.dos.gov.in/about-isro/chairman-isro-secretary-dos |title = Chairman ISRO, Secretary DOS |website = Department of Space, [[Government of India]] |access-date = 23 January 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180124005721/https://www.dos.gov.in/about-isro/chairman-isro-secretary-dos |archive-date = 24 January 2018 |url-status = live }}</ref>
| budget = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|13949|c|lk=on|year=2021}} {{small|(2021–22)}} <ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-01|title=Union Budget 2021: Dept of Space allocated Rs 13,949 cr in budget, Rs 4,449 cr more than last fiscal|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/budget/union-budget-2021-dept-of-space-allocated-rs-13949-cr-in-budget-rs-4449-cr-more-than-last-fiscal/2184382/|access-date=2021-02-01|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref>
| website ={{url|www.isro.gov.in/}}
}}
}}
The '''Indian Space Research Organisation''' is the agency of [[India]] that deals with [[space exploration]] and [[astronomy]]. Also known as '''ISRO''', the organisation has made many successes since its creation in 1969. It built and launched the [[Mars Orbiter Mission]] which made India the first country to get to Mars on its first try.


== Creation ==
The '''Indian Space Research Organisation'''{{efn|[[ISO 15919]]: {{transl|hi|ISO|Bhāratīya Antarikṣ Anusandhān Saṅgaṭhan}}  {{transl|hi|ISO|Bhāratīya Antrikṣ Anusandhān Saṅgaṭhan}}}} ('''ISRO''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɪ|s|r|oʊ}}) or ([[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration|IAST]] : '''Bhāratīya Antrikṣ Anusandhān Saṅgaṭhan''') is the [[Government space agency|national space agency]] of [[India]], headquartered in [[Bengaluru]]. It operates under [[Department of Space]] (DOS) which is directly overseen by the [[Prime Minister of India]], while [[Chairman of ISRO]] acts as executive of DOS as well. ISRO is the primary agency in India to perform tasks related to space based applications, [[space exploration]] and development of related technologies.<ref name="isro_aboutus"/> It is one of six government space agencies in the world which possess full launch capabilities, deploy [[Cryogenic rocket engine|cryogenic engines]], launch [[List of Solar System probes|extraterrestrial missions]] and operate large fleets of artificial satellites.<ref name="Cryo14"/>{{sfn|Harvey|Smid|Pirard|2011|pp=144–}}{{efn|[[CNSA]] (China), [[European Space Agency|ESA]] (most of Europe), ISRO, (India), [[JAXA]] (Japan), [[NASA]] (United States) and [[Roscosmos]] (Russia) are space agencies with full launch capabilities.}}
Organised research about space in India was led by two scientists: [[Vikram Sarabhai]] and [[Homi J. Bhaba|Homi Bhaba]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/dr-vikram-ambalal-sarabhai-1963-1971|title=Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1963-1971) - ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=2019-06-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atomicheritage.org/profile/homi-j-bhabha|title=Homi J. Bhabha|website=Atomic Heritage Foundation|language=en|access-date=2019-06-18}}</ref> Bhaba was the secretary of the [[Department of Atomic Energy]] when it was founded in 1950. He supported Sarabhai in creating India's first rocket launch station.<ref name=":0" /> In 1962, the [[Indian National Committee for Space Research]] was set up by India's first prime minister, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]].<ref>Pushpa M. Bhargava; Chandana Chakrabarti (2003). ''The Saga of Indian Science Since Independence: In a Nutshell''. Universities Press. pp. 39–. ISBN <bdi>978-81-7371-435-1</bdi>.</ref> In 1969, ISRO was created to follow INCOSPAR.


== Space flight programs ==
The [[Indian National Committee for Space Research]] (INCOSPAR) was established by [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] under the [[Department of Atomic Energy]] (DAE) in 1962, on the urging of scientist [[Vikram Sarabhai]] recognising the need in space research. INCOSPAR grew and became ISRO in 1969, within DAE.<ref name="DAE"/> In 1972, the Government of India had set up a Space Commission and the [[Department of Space]] (DOS), bringing ISRO under the DOS. The establishment of ISRO thus institutionalised space research activities in India.{{sfn|Bhargava|Chakrabarti|2003|pp=39}}{{sfn|Sadeh|2013|pp=303-}} It since then has been managed by the DOS, which governs various other institutions in India in domain of astronomy and space technology.<ref name="DOSHQ"/>
Like other space programs, ISRO has had many successes and failures. In the beginning, ISRO built satellites that were then launched by other countries, like the [[Soviet Union]]. Later, ISRO built many types of [[rockets]]. Some of those rockets are now decommissioned, meaning ISRO does not use them anymore. In the future, India also wants to send people to space and send more missions to other planets.  


[[File:Indian_carrier_rockets.svg|right|thumb|Comparing Indian carrier rockets. Left to right: SLV, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV III.]]
ISRO built India's first [[satellite]], [[Aryabhata (satellite)|Aryabhata]], which was [[Interkosmos|launched by the Soviet Union]] on 19 April 1975.<ref name="Aryabhatta"/> In 1980, ISRO launched satellite [[Rohini (satellite)|RS-1]] onboard its own [[SLV-3]] making India the [[Timeline of first orbital launches by country|sixth country]] to be capable of undertaking orbital launches. SLV-3 was followed by [[ASLV]] which was subsequently succeeded by development of many [[Medium-lift launch vehicle|medium-lift launch vehicles]], rocket engines, satellite systems and networks enabling agency to launch hundreds of domestic and foreign satellites and various deep space missions for [[space exploration]].


=== Launch vehicles ===
ISRO was the world's first space agency to find water on the moon<ref name="THMoon"/> and insert a probe in orbit of Mars in its maiden attempt. It has the world's largest constellation of remote-sensing satellites and operates two [[satellite navigation]] systems namely [[GAGAN]] and [[NAVIC]].
During the 1960s and 1970s India began its own rocket program. ISRO has had five different types of rockets.


The [[Satellite Launch Vehicle]] was a 4-stage solid-propellant light launcher. It was supposed to be {{convert|500|km|abbr=off|lk=on}} tall and be able to carry {{convert|40|kg|abbr=off|lk=on}}. The first launch was in 1979 and launched every year until 1983. It launched successfully for the first time on July 18, 1980.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.space.com/indian-space-research-organization.html|title=ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organization|last=Spaceflight|first=Adam Mann 2019-03-01T22:51:45Z|website=Space.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-19}}</ref> This means that India is the sixth country to get spaceflight by itself. It is now decomissioned.
Goals in near future include expanding satellites fleet, [[Chandrayaan-3|landing a rover on Moon]], [[Indian Human Spaceflight Programme|sending humans into space]], [[SCE-200|development of a semi-cryogenic engine]], sending more unmanned missions to [[Exploration of Moon|moon]], [[Exploration of Mars|Mars]], [[Exploration of Venus|Venus]] and [[Sun]] and [[List of space telescopes|deployment of more space telescopes]] in orbit to observe consmic phenomena and outerspace beyond solar system. Long term plans include development of [[Reusable launch vehicle|reusable launchers]], [[Heavy-lift launch vehicle|heavy]] and [[Super heavy-lift launch vehicle|super heavy launch vehicles]], deploying a [[space station]], sending exploration missions to external planets like [[Exploration of Jupiter|Jupiter]], [[Exploration of Uranus|Uranus]], [[Exploration of Neptune|Neptune]] and asteroids and manned missions to Moon and planets.


The [[Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle]] was a five-stage solid propellant rocket. It was able to carry {{convert|150|kg|abbr=off}} into [[low Earth orbit]]. The design was based on the SLV and the project started in the 1980s. The rocket was tested in 1987, 1988, 1992, and 1994 and only two of them were successful. It is now decommissioned.
ISRO's programs have played a significant role in the socio-economic development of India and have supported both civilian and military domains in various aspects including disaster management, telemedicine and navigation and reconnaissance missions. [[ISRO spinoff technologies|ISRO's spin off technologies]] also have founded many crucial innovations for India's engineering and medical industries.


The [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]] uses an [[expendable launch system]] to carry things into space. It is still in use.
== History ==
=== Formative years ===
[[File:TERLS-03.jpg|thumb| An [[Arcas (rocket)|Arcas rocket]] being loaded into launch tube at [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station|Thumba Launching Station]]. In the early days of ISRO, rocket parts were often transported on bicycles and bullock carts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/india-first-rocket-launched-from-a-church-isro-vssc-nike-apache-15606-2016-06-22|title=Transported on a bicycle, launched from a church: The fascinating story of India's first rocket launch|date=22 June 2016|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=12 October 2019}}</ref>]]


The [[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle]] also uses an expendable launch system, this time to launch INSAT-type satellites. Currently it is India's second-heaviest launch vehicle and can launch up to {{convert|5000|kg|abbr=off}} into low Earth orbit. There are multiple marks, or versions of this rocket. It is still in use.
Modern space research in India is traced to the 1920s, when scientist [[Sisir Kumar Mitra|S. K. Mitra]] conducted a series of experiments leading to the sounding of the [[ionosphere]] by applying ground-based radio methods in [[Kolkata]].{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=486}} Later, Indian scientists like [[C.V. Raman]] and [[Meghnad Saha]] contributed to scientific principles applicable in space sciences.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=486}} However, it was the period after 1945 that saw important developments being made in coordinated space research in India.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=486}} Organised space research in India was spearheaded by two scientists: [[Vikram Sarabhai]]—founder of the [[Physical Research Laboratory]] at [[Ahmedabad]]—and [[Homi J. Bhabha|Homi Bhabha]], who established the [[Tata Institute of Fundamental Research]] in 1945.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=486}} Initial experiments in space sciences included the study of [[cosmic rays|cosmic radiation]], high altitude and airborne testing, deep underground experimentation at the [[Particle experiments at Kolar Gold Fields|Kolar mines]]—one of the deepest mining sites in the world—and studies of the [[Earth's atmosphere|upper atmosphere]].{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=487}} Studies were carried out at research laboratories, universities, and independent locations.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=487}}{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=488}}


=== Satellites ===
In 1950, the [[Department of Atomic Energy]] was founded with Bhabha as its [[Secretary to the Government of India|secretary]].{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=488}} The department provided funding for space research throughout India.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=489}} During this time, tests continued on aspects of [[meteorology]] and the [[Earth's magnetic field]], a topic that was being studied in India since the establishment of the observatory at [[Colaba]] in 1823. In 1954, the Uttar Pradesh state observatory was established at the foothills of the Himalayas.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=488}} The Rangpur Observatory was set up in 1957 at [[Osmania University]], [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]. Space research was further encouraged by the government of India.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=489}} In 1957, the [[Soviet Union]] launched [[Sputnik 1]] and opened up possibilities for the rest of the world to conduct a space launch.{{sfn|Daniel|1992|pp=489}}
India's first satellite, which was called the [[Aryabhata (satellite)|Aryabhata]], was launched by the Soviet Union. Since then India has built and launched many different satellites.


==== Rohini series ====
The [[Indian National Committee for Space Research]] (INCOSPAR) was set up in 1962 by [[PM Nehru]] on the urging of [[Vikram Sarabhai]].{{sfn|Sadeh|2013|pp=303-}} There was no dedicated ministry for space program initially and all activities of INCOSPAR relating to space technology continued to function within DAE.<ref name="DAE">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dae.nic.in/?q=node%2F394 |title=Government of India Atomic Energy Commission &#124; Department of Atomic Energy |access-date=21 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829222918/http://dae.nic.in/?q=node%2F394 |archive-date=29 August 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{sfn|Bhargava|Chakrabarti|2003|pp=39}} [[H.G.S. Murthy]] was appointed as the first Director of [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station]].<ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-i-m-proud-that-i-recommended-him-for-isro-ev-chitnis-2109096</ref> [[Sounding rocket|Sounding rockets]] from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station were fired marking the start of upper atmospheric research in India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro |title=About ISRO - ISRO |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328065955/https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Indigenous series of sounding rockets named [[Rohini (rocket family)|Rohini]] was subsequently developed and started undergoing launches from 1967 onwards.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chari|first=Sridhar K|title=Sky is not the limit|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060722/saturday/main1.htm|access-date=14 March 2021|newspaper=The Tribune|date=22 July 2006}}</ref>
[[Rohini (satellite)|Rohini]] is a series of four satellites. These satellites were launched by the Satellite Launch Vehicle, and three of them were able to make it into orbit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/rs-1-1|title=Rohini Satellite RS-1 - ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=2019-06-30}}</ref>  


==== INSAT series ====
=== 1970s and 1980s ===
The [[Indian National Satellite System]] (INSAT) is a series of satellites built and launched by ISRO. These help India with [[telecommunications]], broadcasting, meteorology, and search-and-rescue.
Under the administration of [[Indira Gandhi]], INCOSPAR was superseded by ISRO. Later in 1972, a space commission and [[Department of Space]] (DOS) were set up to overview space technology development in India specifically and ISRO was brought under DOS, institutionalising space research in India and forging Indian space program into its existing form.{{sfn|Bhargava|Chakrabarti|2003|pp=39}}<ref name="DOSHQ">{{Cite web |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/department-of-space-and-isro-hq |title=Department of Space and ISRO HQ - ISRO |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328053630/https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/department-of-space-and-isro-hq |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==== IRS series ====
India joined the Soviet [[Interkosmos]] program for space cooperation<ref name="Sheehan">{{cite book|last=Sheehan|first=Michael|title=The international politics of space|year=2007|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-39917-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V-Z0kfqPHy8C|location=London|pages=59–61}}</ref> and got its first satellite [[Aryabhata (satellite)|Aryabhatta]] in orbit through a Soviet rocket.<ref name="Aryabhatta">{{cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/aryabhata-1|title=Aryabhata – ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815200808/https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/aryabhata-1|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[Indian Remote Sensing satellites]] (IRS) are a series of satellites built and launched by ISRO. It is the largest series of remote sensing satellites for regular people in the world.  


==== Radar Imagine Satellites ====
Efforts to develop an orbital launch vehicle begun after mastering sounding rocket technology. Concept was to develop a launcher capable of providing sufficient velocity to a mass of {{cvt|35|kg}} to enter [[Low earth orbit|LEO]]. It took 7 years for ISRO to develop [[Satellite Launch Vehicle]] capable of putting {{cvt|40|kg}} into a {{cvt|400|km}} orbit. [[SLV Launch Pad]], ground stations, tracking networks, radars and other communications were set up for launch campaign. Its first launch in 1979 carried a [[Rohini (satellite)|Rohini technology payload]] but couldn't inject satellite into its desired orbit. It was followed by a successful launch in 1980 carrying [[Rohini (satellite)|Rohini Series-I]] satellite making India the seventh country to reach earth's orbit after USSR, USA, France, [[Prospero (spacecraft)|United Kingdom]], China and Japan. RS-1 was third Indian satellite to reach orbit as [[Bhaskara (satellite)|Bhaskara]] had been launched from USSR in 1979. Efforts to develop a [[medium-lift launch vehicle]] capable of putting {{cvt|600|kg}} class spacecrafts into 1000 km [[sun-synchronous orbit]] had already begun in 1978<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IbbMj56ht8sC&pg=PA215|title=Indian ambitions in space go sky-high|date=22 January 1981|publisher=New Scientist|page=215}}</ref> which would later lead to development of [[PSLV]].<ref name="SLVFlipbook">{{cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/flipping_book/58-SI-Jul-Sep-05/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf|title=First Successful Launch of SLV-3 - Silver Jubilee|publisher=ISRO|access-date=2021-03-15}}</ref> [[SLV-3]] later had two more launches before discontinual in 1983.<ref name=slv>{{cite web|url=http://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/slv|title=SLV|publisher=isro.gov.in|access-date=2021-03-15}}</ref> ISRO's [[Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre]] (LPSC) was set up in 1985 and started working on a more powerful engine [[Vikas (rocket engine)|Vikas]] based upon French [[Viking (rocket engine)|Viking]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sutton|first1=George Paul|title=History of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines|date=2006|publisher=AIAA|isbn=9781563476495|page=799|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s1C9Oo2I4VYC&pg=PA799|language=en}}</ref> In 1987, facilities to test liquid fueled rocket engines was established and development and testing of various rocket engines [[Thrusters (spacecraft)|thrusters]] began.<ref name="lpsctimeline">{{Cite web|title=Timeline of LPSC|url=https://www.lpsc.gov.in/timeline.html|work=Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre|access-date=2021-03-15}}</ref>
India(Bharat) has two [[Radar Imaging Satellite|Radar Imaging Satellites]] (RISAT).


==== South Asia Satellite ====
Parallelly, another solid fueled rocket [[Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle]] based upon SLV-3 was being developed technologies to launch satellites into [[geostationary orbit]]. ASLV had limited success and multiple launch failures was discontinued soon.<ref name=ITASLV>{{cite news|last=Menon|first=Amarnath|title=Setback in the sky|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/failure-of-aslv-mission-comes-a-major-blow-to-india-ambitious-space-programme/1/336942.html|access-date=18 January 2014|newspaper=India Today|date=15 April 1987}}</ref> Alongside, technologies for [[Indian National Satellite System]] for communication satellites<ref>{{Cite web|title=Communication Satellites|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/communication-satellites|work=Indian Space Research Organisation|access-date=2021-03-16}}</ref> and [[Indian Remote Sensing Programme]] for earth observation satellites<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Navalgund|first1=R. R.|last2=Kasturirangan|first2=K.|date=1983-12-01|title=The Indian remote sensing satellite: a programme overview|journal=Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences Section C: Engineering Sciences|language=en|volume=6|issue=4|pages=313–336|doi=10.1007/BF02881137|issn=0973-7677|doi-broken-date=31 May 2021|bibcode=1983InES....6..313N}}</ref> were developed and launches from overseas initiated. Number of satellites eventually expanded and systems were established as among largest satellite constellations in the world with a number of multi-band communication, radar imaging, optical imaging and meteorological satellites.<ref name="IRSSaga">{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/saga-of-indian-remote-sensing-satellite-system|title=The Saga of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System - ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=2021-03-16}}</ref>
The [[South Asia Satellite]] is a communications satellite launched in 2017 as a gift to the other countries in the [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation]].  


==== GPS-aided geo-augmented navigation satellite system ====
=== 1990s and early 21st Century ===
Also known as GAGAN, this is a national plan for satellite navigation.  
Arrival of PSLV in 1990s became a major boost for Indian space program. With the exception of its first flight in 1994 and two partial failures later, PSLV had a streak of more than 50 successful flights. PSLV enabled India to launch all of its [[Low earth orbit|LEO]] satellites, small payloads to [[Geostationary orbit|GTO]] and hundreds of [[List of foreign satellites launched by India|foreign satellites]].<ref>{{cite web|title=PSLV (1)|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/pslv_1.htm|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=16 March 2021}}</ref> Along with the flights of PSLV, development of a new rocket namely [[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle]] (GSLV) was going on. India tried to obtain upper-stage [[Cryogenic engine|cryogenic engines]] from Russian [[Glavkosmos]] but was blocked by United States from doing so. As a result, [[KVD-1]] engines were imported from Russia under new agreement which had limited success<ref name=flGSLVQuest>{{cite news| last=Subramanian| first=T S| title=The GSLV Quest| url=http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=flonnet&rdurl=fl1806/18060820.htm |access-date=16 March 2021| newspaper=Frontline| date=March 17–31, 2001}}</ref> and a project to develop indigenous cryogenic technology was launched in 1994, which took two decades to mature.<ref name=GSLVGopalRaj>{{cite news| last=Raj| first=N Gopal| title=The long road to cryogenic technology| url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-long-road-to-cryogenic-technology/article397441.ece|  access-date=12 December 2013 |newspaper=The Hindu| date=21 April 2011| location=Chennai, India}}</ref> A new agreement was signed with Russia for 7 [[KVD-1]] cryogenic stages and 1 ground mock-up stage with no technology transfer, instead of 5 cryogenic stages along with the technology and design as per the earlier agreement.<ref>{{cite news| last=Subramanian| first=T S| title=The cryogenic quest| url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1809/18090140.htm| access-date=13 December 2013| newspaper=Frontline| date=28 April – 11 May 2001}}</ref> These engines were used for the initial flights and were named GSLV Mk.1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why ISRO's New Engine and Mk III Rocket Are Reasons to Forget 1990 Cryogenic Scandal|url=https://thewire.in/138915/cryogenic-ce-20-isro-gslv-mk-iii/|website=The Wire|access-date=10 February 2018}}</ref> ISRO was under US government sanctions between 6 May 1992 to 6 May 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 April 2021|title=Master Sanctions Chart - State Department|url=https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MASTER-Sanctions-chart-April-2021.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504170258/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MASTER-Sanctions-chart-April-2021.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2021|access-date=4 May 2021}}</ref>


==== IRNSS satellite navigation system ====
After US refused to help India with [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS) during [[Kargil war]], ISRO was induced to develop its own satellite navigation system [[IRNSS]] which is now expanding further.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/How-Kargil-spurred-India-to-design-own-GPS/articleshow/33254691.cms|title = How Kargil spurred India to design own GPS|last = Srivastava|first = Ishan|date = 5 April 2014|access-date = 9 December 2014|work = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
The [[Independent Regional Navigation Satellite System]] is made to have accurate position information to people in India as well as 1500 km from its borders. It is made like this because in bad situations, people cannot rely on [[GPS]]. ISRO first planned to launch the satellites between 2012 and 2014, but it had to be moved to later years.


=== Human spaceflight ===
In 2003, when [[Shenzhou 5|China sent humans into space]], prime minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] urged scientists to develop technologies to land humans on Moon<ref>{{cite news| title = India 'on course' for the Moon| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2917271.stm | work=BBC News | date=2003-04-04 | access-date=2021-03-16}}</ref> and Indian programs to send missions to Moon, other planets and sending humans to space came into existence soon. ISRO launched [[Chandrayaan-1]] in 2008, which was world's first probe to verify the presence of water on the Moon<ref name="THMoon">{{cite web|title=MIP detected water on Moon way back in June: ISRO Chairman|date=2009-09-25|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/mip-detected-water-on-moon-way-back-in-june-isro-chairman/article24854.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref> and [[Mars Orbiter Mission]] in 2013 which was first Asian spacecraft to enter Martian orbit and India being first country to do so in maiden attempt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/sep/24/india-mars-satellite-successfully-enters-orbit |title=India's Mars satellite successfully enters orbit, bringing country into space elite |work=The Guardian |first=Jason |last=Burke |date=24 September 2014 |access-date=16 March 2021|quote=India has become the first nation to send a satellite into orbit around Mars on its first attempt, and the first Asian nation to do so.}}</ref> Subsequently, cryogenic upper stage for [[GSLV]] rocket operationalised making India sixth country to have full launch capabilities<ref name="Cryo14">{{Cite news|author=TE Narasimhan|date=2014-01-07|title=ISRO on cloud nine as India joins "cryo club"|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/isro-on-cloud-nine-as-india-joins-cryo-club-114010700023_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard|location=Chennai|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref> and a new heavier-lift launcher [[GSLV Mk III]] was introduced in 2014 for heavier satellites and enabling human space missions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GSLV Mk III|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/gslv-mk-iii|publisher=ISRO|access-date=2021-03-16}}</ref> Since then, development of bigger rockets, more advanced satellites and spacecrafts has been going on.
The first Indian [[cosmonaut]] is [[Rakesh Sharma]], who flew with two Russians in [[Salyut 7]] in 1984.<ref name=":1" /> The first female Indian astronaut was [[Kalpana Chawla]]. She died in {{OV|102}} in 2003. The second female Indian astronaut, [[Sunita Williams]], spent 321 days 17 hours 15 minutes in space.


=== Exploring other planets ===
=== Agency logo ===
In 2008 ISRO sent [[Chandrayaan 1|Chandrayaan-1]] to the moon.<ref name=":1" /> It helped discover evidence of water on the moon. ISRO flew the [[Mars Orbiter Mission]] in 2013 and it reached Mars in 2014, making India the 4th country to put a spacecraft in [[orbit]] around Mars.
ISRO did not have an official logo unlike other space agencies until 2002. The adopted logo is consisted of an orange aero shooting upwards attached with two blue colored satellite panels with the name of ISRO written in two sets of text. One in orange color in [[Devanagari]] on left side and another in blue color in English in Prakrta font.<ref name="SpaceIndia_Q2_2002">{{cite web |title = ISRO gets new identity |url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/flipping_book/47-SI-Apr-Jun-2002/files/assets/basic-html/page-15.html |publisher = Indian Space Research Organisation |access-date = 19 August 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180820005819/https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/flipping_book/47-SI-Apr-Jun-2002/files/assets/basic-html/page-15.html |archive-date = 20 August 2018 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="logo">{{cite news |title=A 'vibrant' new logo for ISRO |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/A-vibrant-new-logo-for-Isro/articleshow/19567123.cms |access-date=19 August 2018 |agency=Times of India |date=19 August 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909102134/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/A-vibrant-new-logo-for-Isro/articleshow/19567123.cms |archive-date=9 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Future ==
== Goals and objectives ==
[[Chandrayaan-2]] is the India's second moon mission. Chandrayaan-2 was launched on 22 July 2019 at 2:43 PM IST (09:13 UTC) to the [[Moon]] by a [[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III]] (GSLV Mk III).<ref>https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/chandrayaan-2-launch-bahubali-rocket-takeoff-2-43-pm-monday-1572017-2019-07-21</ref><ref name="gslv3">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-2-launch-put-off-india-israel-in-lunar-race-for-4th-position/articleshow/65275012.cms |title=Chandrayaan-2 launch put off: India, Israel in lunar race for 4th position |work=The Times of India |agency=Times News Network |first=Surendra |last=Singh |date=5 August 2018 |accessdate=15 August 2018}}</ref> It includes an orbiter, lander, and rover that will study the moon both on and above the surface. The mission spent some time orbiting Earth before going to the moon. The lander will reach the [[lunar south pole]] on 7 September 2019 at 01:55 IST (6 September 2019, 20:25 UTC).<ref>{{cite web |title=ISRO aims for Chandrayaan-2 landing at 1.55 AM on September 07, says Dr K. Sivan |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=192723 |accessdate=24 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GSLV-Mk III – M1 / Chandrayaan-2 Mission |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/launcher/gslv-mk-iii-m1-chandrayaan-2-mission |website=ISRO.gov.in |accessdate=21 July 2019}}</ref> Other than Chandrayaan-2, ISRO may team up with the [[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]], or JAXA, for a mission looking for water on the Moon.
[[File:Vikram Sarabhai.jpg|thumb|180px|[[Vikram Sarabhai]], first chairperson of [[INCOSPAR]], which would later be called [[ISRO]]]]


The next Mars mission will be the [[Mars Orbiter Mission 2]], and will be launched in 2022 or 2023.  
ISRO is the national space agency of India for the purpose of all space-based applications like reconnaissance & communications and doing research. It undertakes the design and development of space rockets, satellites, explores upper atmosphere and deep space exploration missions. ISRO also has incubated its technologies in India's private space sector boosting its growth.<ref name="isro_aboutus">{{cite web|url = http://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/vision-and-mission-statements|title = ISRO – Vision and Mission Statements|publisher = ISRO|access-date = 27 August 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150904080053/http://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/vision-and-mission-statements|archive-date = 4 September 2015|url-status = live}}</ref>{{sfn|Rajagopalan|Prasad|2017|pp=1-2}} The Indian space programme was founded and pushed ahead by the vision of [[Vikram Sarabhai]], considered the father of the Indian space programme.{{sfn|Burleson|2005|page=136}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/dr-vikram-ambalal-sarabhai-1963-1971 |title=Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1963-1971) - ISRO |access-date=21 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422014937/https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/dr-vikram-ambalal-sarabhai-1963-1971 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> As he said in 1969:


The first mission to the Sun will be a probe called [[Aditya-L1]]. It was originally planned for 2012, but was delayed to 2021. It will study solar wind and space weather.
{{Quote|text=There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the Moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society, which we find in our country. And we should note that the application of sophisticated technologies and methods of analysis to our problems is not to be confused with embarking on grandiose schemes, whose primary impact is for show rather than for progress measured in hard economic and social terms.|sign=[[Vikram Sarabhai]]|source=<ref name="Sarabhai_compilation">{{cite web |title=List of Important Speeches And Papers By Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai. |url=https://www.prl.res.in/~library/sarabhai_v_speeches.pdf |website=PRL.res.in |access-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627181445/https://www.prl.res.in/~library/sarabhai_v_speeches.pdf |archive-date=27 June 2019|page=113}}</ref>}}


The first mission to Venus will be an orbiter mission called [[Shukrayaan-1]], that may launch in 2023.
Former [[president of India]], [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]], said:
{{Quote|text=Very many individuals with myopic vision questioned the relevance of space activities in a newly independent nation which was finding it difficult to feed its population. But neither Prime Minister Nehru nor Prof. Sarabhai had any ambiguity of purpose. Their vision was very clear: if Indians were to play a meaningful role in the community of nations, they must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to their real-life problems. They had no intention of using it merely as a means of displaying our might.|sign=[[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]]|source=<ref name=apj_autobiography>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c3qmIZtWUjAC&pg=PA43|title=Wings of Fire: An Autobiography|last1=Kalam|first1=Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul|last2=Tiwari|first2=Arun|date=1999|publisher=Universities Press|isbn=9788173711466|language=en}}</ref>}}


In 2018, prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] said that India will send astronauts into space by 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gaganyaan-mission-to-take-indian-astronaut-to-space-by-2022-pm-modi/article24695817.ece|title=Gaganyaan mission to take Indian astronaut to space by 2022: PM Modi|date=2018-08-15|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-30|others=PTI|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
India's economic progress has made its space programme more visible and active as the country aims for greater [[Self-sustainability|self-reliance]] in space technology.<ref name=newsweek1/> In 2008, India launched as many as eleven{{Nbsp}}satellites, including nine foreign and went on to become the first nation to launch ten{{Nbsp}}satellites on one{{Nbsp}}rocket.<ref name=newsweek1>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/160037 |title=Hennock etc. (2008), "The Real Space Race Is in Asia", ''Newsweek''. |access-date=25 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222044922/http://www.newsweek.com/id/160037 |archive-date=22 December 2008 |url-status=live |date=20 September 2008 }}</ref> ISRO has put into operation two major satellite systems: the Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services, and the [[Indian Remote Sensing Programme]] (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources.


== References ==
== Organisation structure and facilities ==
<references />
[[File:Department of Space (India) - organization chart.svg|422x422px|thumb|The organisational structure of the [[Department of Space]] of the [[Government of India]]]]
ISRO is managed by the [[Department of Space (India)|Department of Space]] (DoS) of the Government of India. DoS itself falls under the authority of the Space Commission and manages the following agencies and institutes:<ref>{{cite web |title = DoS structure |publisher = Department of Space, Government of India |url = http://www.dos.gov.in/structure.aspx |access-date = 22 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140927110830/http://dos.gov.in/structure.aspx |archive-date = 27 September 2014 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/03-aug-2019/foundation-stone-of-space-situational-awareness-control-centre-chairman-isro|title=Foundation stone of Space Situational Awareness Control Centre by Chairman, ISRO – ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830223917/http://isro.gov.in/update/03-aug-2019/foundation-stone-of-space-situational-awareness-control-centre-chairman-isro|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/30-jan-2019/inauguration-of-human-space-flight-centre-hsfc|title=Inauguration of Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) – ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329015418/https://www.isro.gov.in/update/30-jan-2019/inauguration-of-human-space-flight-centre-hsfc|archive-date=29 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[Category:1969 establishments]]
* Indian Space Research Organisation
[[Category:India]]
* [[Antrix Corporation]] – The marketing arm of ISRO, Bangalore.
* [[Physical Research Laboratory]] (PRL), Ahmedabad.
* [[National Atmospheric Research Laboratory]] (NARL), Gadanki, [[Andhra Pradesh]].
*[[NewSpace India Limited]] - Commercial wing, Bangalore.
* [[North-Eastern Space Applications Centre]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://necouncil.nic.in/index3.asp?sslid=72&subsublinkid=153 |title=NEC – North Eastern Council |publisher=Necouncil.nic.in |access-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225165210/http://necouncil.nic.in/index3.asp?sslid=72&subsublinkid=153 |archive-date=25 February 2012  }}</ref> (NE-SAC), Umiam.
* [[Semi-Conductor Laboratory]] (SCL), [[Mohali]].
* [[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology]] (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram – India's space university.
 
=== Research facilities ===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! style="width:18%;"| Facility !! style="width:15%;"| Location !! style="width:67%;"| Description
|-
| [[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre]] || [[Thiruvananthapuram]] || The largest ISRO base is also the main technical centre and the venue of development of the [[Satellite Launch Vehicle|SLV-3]], [[ASLV]], and [[PSLV]] series.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} The base supports India's [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station]] and the [[Rohini (rocket family)|Rohini Sounding Rocket]] programme.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} This facility is also developing the [[GSLV]] series.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}}
|-
| [[Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre]] || [[Thiruvananthapuram]] and [[Bangalore]] || The LPSC handles design, development, testing and implementation of liquid propulsion control packages, liquid stages and liquid engines for launch vehicles and satellites.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} The testing of these systems is largely conducted at [[ISRO Propulsion Complex|IPRC]] at [[Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu|Mahendragiri]].{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} The LPSC, Bangalore also produces precision transducers.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=414}}
|-
| [[Physical Research Laboratory]] || [[Ahmedabad]] || Solar planetary physics, infrared astronomy, geo-cosmo physics, plasma physics, [[astrophysics]], [[archaeology]], and [[hydrology]] are some of the branches of study at this institute.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} An observatory at [[Udaipur]] also falls under the control of this institution.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}}
|-
| [[Semi-Conductor Laboratory]] || [[Chandigarh]] || Research & Development in the field of semiconductor technology, micro-electro mechanical systems and process technologies relating to semiconductor processing.
|-
| [[National Atmospheric Radar Laboratory|National Atmospheric Research Laboratory]] || [[Tirupati]] || The NARL carries out fundamental and applied research in atmospheric and space sciences.
|-
| [[Space Applications Centre]] || [[Ahmedabad]] || The SAC deals with the various aspects of the practical use of space technology.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} Among the fields of research at the SAC are [[geodesy]], [[telecommunication|satellite based telecommunications]], [[surveying]], [[remote sensing]], [[meteorology]], environment monitoring etc.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} The SAC also operates the Delhi Earth Station, which is located in Delhi and is used for demonstration of various SATCOM experiments in addition to normal SATCOM operations.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=415}}
|-
| [[North-Eastern Space Applications Centre]] || [[Shillong]] || Providing developmental support to North East by undertaking specific application projects using remote sensing, GIS, satellite communication and conducting space science research.
|}
 
=== Test facilities ===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! style="width:18%;"| Facility !! style="width:15%;"| Location !! style="width:67%;"| Description
|-
| [[ISRO Propulsion Complex]] || [[Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu|Mahendragiri]] || Formerly called LPSC-Mahendragiri, was declared a separate centre. It handles testing and assembly of liquid propulsion control packages, liquid engines, and stages for launch vehicles and satellites.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}}
|}
 
=== Construction and launch facilities ===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! style="width:18%;"| Facility !! style="width:15%;"| Location !! style="width:67%;"| Description
|-
| [[U R Rao Satellite Centre]] || [[Bangalore]] || The venue of eight successful spacecraft projects is also one of the main satellite technology bases of ISRO. The facility serves as a venue for implementing indigenous spacecraft in India.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} The satellites ''Aaryabhata'', ''Bhaskara'', ''APPLE'', and ''IRS-1A'' were constructed at this site, and the IRS and INSAT satellite series are presently under development here. This center was formerly known as ISRO Satellite Centre.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=414}}
|-
| [[Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems]]|| [[Bangalore]] || The Unit of ISRO responsible for the development of altitude sensors for all satellites. The high precision optics for all cameras and payloads in all ISRO satellites are developed at this laboratory, located at Peenya Industrial Estate, Bangalore.
|-
| [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] || [[Sriharikota]] || With multiple sub-sites the Sriharikota island facility acts as a launching site for India's satellites.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} The Sriharikota facility is also the main launch base for India's sounding rockets.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=414}} The centre is also home to India's largest Solid Propellant Space Booster Plant (SPROB) and houses the Static Test and Evaluation Complex (STEX).{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=414}} The Second Vehicle Assembly Building (SVAB) at Sriharikota is being realised as an additional integration facility, with suitable interfacing to a second launch pad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Second Vehicle Assembly Building being realised at ISRO |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/second-vehicle-assembly-building-being-realised-at-isro/articleshow/50531617.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=20 January 2016 |date=11 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114044154/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/second-vehicle-assembly-building-being-realised-at-isro/articleshow/50531617.cms |archive-date=14 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Madumathi |first1=D.S. |title=Sriharikota space port scores 50 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/sriharikota-space-port-scores-50/article8070373.ece |access-date=20 January 2016 |work=The Hindu |date=6 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109041156/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/sriharikota-space-port-scores-50/article8070373.ece |archive-date=9 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station]] ||[[Thiruvananthapuram]]|| TERLS is used to launch sounding rockets.
|}
 
=== Tracking and control facilities ===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! style="width:18%;"| Facility !! style="width:15%;"| Location !! style="width:67%;"| Description
|-
| [[Indian Deep Space Network|Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN)]] || [[Bangalore]] || This network receives, processes, archives and distributes the spacecraft health data and payload data in real-time. It can track and monitor satellites up to very large distances, even beyond the [[Moon]].
|-
| [[National Remote Sensing Centre]] || [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]] || The NRSC applies remote sensing to manage natural resources and study aerial surveying.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} With centres at [[Balanagar, Ranga Reddy|Balanagar]] and [[Mahbubnagar district|Shadnagar]] it also has training facilities at [[Dehradun]] acting as the [[Indian Institute of Remote Sensing]].{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}}
|-
| [[ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network]] ||[[Bangalore]] (headquarters) and a number of ground stations throughout India and the world.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=415}} || [[Software development]], ground operations, Tracking Telemetry and Command (TTC), and support is provided by this institution.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} ISTRAC has Tracking stations throughout the country and all over the world in [[Port Louis]] (Mauritius), Bearslake (Russia), [[Biak]] (Indonesia) and [[Brunei]].
|-
| [[Master Control Facility]] || [[Bhopal]]; [[Hassan, India|Hassan]] || Geostationary satellite orbit raising, payload testing, and in-orbit operations are performed at this facility.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=416}} The MCF has Earth stations and the Satellite Control Centre (SCC) for controlling satellites.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=416}} A second MCF-like facility named 'MCF-B' is being constructed at Bhopal.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=416}}
|-
|Space Situational Awareness Control Centre
|[[Peenya]], [[Bangalore]]
|A network of telescopes and radars are being set up under the Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management to monitor space debris and to safeguard space-based assets. The new facility will end ISRO's dependence on [[Norad]]. The sophisticated multi-object tracking radar installed in Nellore, a radar in [[NE India]] and telescopes in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Mount Abu]] and North India will be part of this network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-isro-system-to-shield-its-assets-from-space-debris/articleshow/70528348.cms|title=New Isro system to shield its assets from space debris {{!}} India News – Times of India|last=Singh|first=Surendra|date=5 August 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826090921/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-isro-system-to-shield-its-assets-from-space-debris/articleshow/70528348.cms|archive-date=26 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-keen-on-protecting-space-assets-new-centre-soon/articleshow/70520904.cms|title=Isro keen on protecting space assets; new centre soon {{!}} India News – Times of India|last=Kumar|first=Chethan|date=4 August 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825154922/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-keen-on-protecting-space-assets-new-centre-soon/articleshow/70520904.cms|archive-date=25 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}
 
=== Human resource development ===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! style="width:18%;"| Facility !! style="width:15%;"| Location !! style="width:67%;"| Description
|-
| [[Indian Institute of Remote Sensing]] (IIRS) || [[Dehradun]] || The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) is a premier training and educational institute set up for developing trained professionals (P.G. and PhD level) in the field of remote sensing, geoinformatics and GPS technology for natural resources, environmental and disaster management. IIRS is also executing many R&D projects on remote sensing and GIS for societal applications. IIRS also runs various outreach programs (Live & Interactive and e-learning) to build trained skilled human resources in the field of remote sensing and geospatial technologies.
|-
|[[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology]] (IIST) ||[[Thiruvananthapuram]] || The institute offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics), and Engineering Physics. The students of the first three{{Nbsp}}batches of IIST were inducted into different [[ISRO]] centres.
|-
|[[Development and Educational Communication Unit]]||[[Ahmedabad]] || The centre works for education, research, and training, mainly in conjunction with the [[INSAT]] programme.{{sfn|Ojha|pp=142}} The main activities carried out at DECU include GRAMSAT and [[GSAT-3|EDUSAT]] projects.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=414}} The Training and Development Communication Channel (TDCC) also falls under the operational control of the DECU.{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|pp=415}}
|-
|Space Technology Incubation Centres (S-TICs) at:
 
* [[Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar]]
* [[Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology]]
*[[National Institute of Technology Agartala]]
*[[National Institute of Technology, Rourkela]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Space tech centre: ISRO team in NIT-Rourkela |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/mar/10/space-tech-centre-isro-team-in-nit-rourkela-2274636.html |access-date=12 March 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=New Indian Express |date=10 March 2021}}</ref>
* [[National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli]]
*[[Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 March 2021|title=Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO / Secretary, DOS inaugurates 3 Space Technology Incubation Centres and releases युक्ति-संचिता YUKTI- Sanchita 2021|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/18-mar-2021/dr-k-sivan-chairman-isro-secretary-dos-inaugurates-3-space-technology-incubation|access-date=2021-03-20|website=ISRO}}</ref>
|[[Agartala]], [[Bhopal]], [[Jalandhar]], [[Nagpur]] [[Rourkela]], [[Tiruchirappalli]]
|The S-TICs opened at premier technical universities in India to promote startups to build applications and products in tandem with the industry and would be used for future space missions. The S-TIC will bring the industry, academia and ISRO under one umbrella to contribute towards research and development (R&D) initiatives relevant to the Indian Space Programme.<ref name=":1" />
|-
|Space Innovation Centre at [[Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology]]
|[[Burla, India|Burla]], [[Sambalpur]]
|In line with ongoing effort to promote R&D in space technology through the industry as well as academia, ISRO in collaboration with Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, has set up Veer Surendra Sai Space Innovation Centre (VSSSIC) within its campus at Sambalpur. The objective of this Space Innovation Research Lab is to promote and encourage the students in research and development in the domain of Space Science and Technology at VSSUT and other Institutes within this region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Space Innovation Centre - ISRO|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/capacity-building/space-innovation-centre|access-date=2021-07-07|website=www.isro.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-26|title=VSSUT first to set up Space Innovation-cum-Incubation Centre with ISRO|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/vssut-first-to-set-up-space-innovation-cum-incubation-centre-with-isro/story-baqiVPndKjIN1I6Z5ud9lJ.html|access-date=2021-07-07|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Regional Academy Centre for Space (RAC-S) at:
 
* [[Banaras Hindu University]]
* [[Gauhati University]]
* [[Kurukshetra University]]
* [[Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur|Malaviya National Institute of Technology]]
* [[National Institute of Technology Karnataka]]
* [[National Institute of Technology, Patna|National Institute of Technology Patna]]
* [[Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-24|title=ISRO to set up its regional centre at IIT-BHU|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/isro-to-set-up-its-regional-centre-at-iit-bhu/story-UUNEDrrsqHU9JvPddg8IoN.html|access-date=2020-12-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
 
<br />
|[[Varanasi]], [[Guwahati]],  [[Kurukshetra]], [[Jaipur]], [[Mangalore]], [[Patna]]
|All these centres are set up in tier-2 cities to create awareness, strengthen academic collaboration and act as incubators for space technology, space science and space applications. The activities of RAC-S will be to maximise the use of research potential, infrastructure, expertise, experience and facilitate capacity building.
|}
 
=== Antrix Corporation Limited (Commercial Wing) ===
{{Main|Antrix Corporation}}
 
Set up as the marketing arm of ISRO, [[Antrix Corporation|Antrix]]'s job is to promote products, services and technology developed by ISRO.<ref name="AntrixISRO">{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-09/india/28547101_1_isro-eads-astrium-antrix-corporation|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130426170804/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-09/india/28547101_1_isro-eads-astrium-antrix-corporation|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 April 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Antrix responsible for marketing ISRO tech|access-date=24 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="AntrixNewChief">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/isros-commercial-arm-antrix-gets-new-chief/article2214210.ece|title=ISRO's commercial arm Antrix gets new chief|date=9 June 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 February 2013}}</ref>
 
=== NewSpace India Limited (Commercial Wing) ===
{{Main|NewSpace India Limited}}
Set up for marketing spin-off technologies, tech transfers through industry interface and scale up industry participation in the space programmes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/isros-newspace-india-limited-takes-off-in-bengaluru-736355.html|title=ISRO's NewSpace India Limited takes off in Bengaluru|date=2019-05-27|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-01-10}}</ref>
 
=== Space Technology Incubation Centre ===
ISRO has opened Space Technology Incubation Centres (S-TIC) at premier technical universities in India which will incubate startups to build applications and products in tandem with the industry and would be used for future space missions. The S-TIC will bring the industry, academia and ISRO under one umbrella to contribute towards research and development (R&D) initiatives relevant to the Indian Space Programme. S-TICs are at the [[National Institute of Technology Agartala|National Institute of Technology, Agartala]] serving for east region, [[Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar|National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar]] for the north region, and the [[National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli]] for the south region of India.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/isro-opens-space-tech-incubation-centre-at-nit-t/articleshow/69569218.cms|title=Isro opens space tech incubation centre at NIT-T {{!}} Trichy News – Times of India|last1=30 May|first1=TNN {{!}} Updated|last2=2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=1 June 2019|last3=Ist|first3=11:48}}</ref>
 
=== Advance Space Research Group ===
Like NASA funded [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] (JPL) managed by [[California Institute of Technology]] (Caltech), ISRO with [[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology]] (IIST) implemented a joint working framework in 2021 in which an Empowered Overseeing Committee (EOC) under Capacity Building Programme Office (CBPO) of ISRO located in Bengaluru will approve all short, medium and long term space research projects of common interest. In return, an Advance Space Research Group (ASRG) formed at IIST under the guidance of EOC will have full access to ISRO facilities. The primary aim is to transform IIST into a premier space research and engineering institute by 2028-2030 that can lead future space exploration missions of ISRO.<ref>{{cite news |title=ISRO embarking on replicating NASA partnership model in India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/isro-embarking-on-replicating-nasa-partnership-model-in-india/article34169199.ece |access-date=31 March 2021 |agency=PTI |work=The Hindu |date=26 March 2021}}</ref>
 
=== Other facilities ===
<!-- Alphabetical order only. -->
* [[Balasore|Balasore Rocket Launching Station (BRLS)]] – [[Odisha]]
*[[Human Space Flight Centre]] (HSFC), Bangalore.
*[[Indian National Committee for Space Research|Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR)]]
* [[Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System|Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS)]]
* [[Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC)]]
* [[Integrated Space Cell]]
* [[Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics|Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)]]
* [[ISRO Inertial Systems Unit|ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU)]] – Thiruvananthapuram
* [[Indian Deep Space Network|National Deep Space Observation Centre]] (NDSPO)
* [[National Remote Sensing Centre|Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres]] (RRSSC)
* [[Master Control Facility]]
 
== General satellite programmes ==
{{See also|List of Indian satellites}}[[File:Insat-1B.jpg|thumb|[[Insat|INSAT-1B]]]]
Since the launch of [[Aryabhata (satellite)|Aryabhata]] in 1975,<ref name="Aryabhatta"/> a number of satellite series and constellations have been deployed by Indian and foreign launchers. At present, ISRO operates one of the largest constellations of active communication and earth imaging satellites for military and civilian uses.<ref name="IRSSaga"/>
 
=== The IRS series ===
{{Main|Indian Remote Sensing satellite}}
The [[Indian Remote Sensing satellite]]s (IRS) are the series of India's earth observation satellites. The IRS series provides remote sensing services and is the largest collection of remote sensing satellites for civilian use in operation today in the world.<ref name="IRSSaga"/> All the satellites are placed in polar [[Sun-synchronous orbit]] (except [[GISAT]]s) and provide data in a variety of spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions to enable several programmes to be undertaken relevant to national development. The initial versions are composed of the 1 ([[IRS-1A|A]], [[IRS-1B|B]], [[IRS-1C|C]], [[IRS-1D|D]]) nomenclature while the later versions were divided into sub-classes named based on their functioning and uses including [[Oceansat]], [[Cartosat]], [[HySIS]], [[EMISAT]] and ResourceSat etc.. The names although again were unified into prefix "EOS" again regardless of functioning again in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=IANS|title=ISRO adopts new satellite naming style, RISAT-2BR2 now EOS-01|url=https://telanganatoday.com/isro-adopts-new-satellite-naming-style-risat-2br2-now-eos-01|access-date=2020-11-07|website=telanganatoday.com}}</ref> These satellites hold a wide range of applications including optical, radar and electronic [[reconnaissance]] for Indian agencies, city planning, oceanography and environmental studies.
 
=== The INSAT series ===
{{Main|Indian National Satellite System}}
[[File:STS008-44-611.jpg|thumb|left|250px|INSAT-1B satellite: The broadcasting sector in India is highly dependent on [[INSAT]] system.]]
The [[Indian National Satellite System]] (INSAT) are the family of communication satellites of India. It is a series of multipurpose [[Geosynchronous satellite|geostationary satellites]] built and launched by ISRO to satisfy the telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology and search-and-rescue needs of the country. Since the introduction of first satellite in 1983, INSAT has become the largest domestic communication system in the [[Asia-Pacific]] Region. It is a joint venture of the [[Department of Space]], [[Department of Telecommunications]], [[India Meteorological Department]], [[All India Radio]] and [[Doordarshan]]. The overall coordination and management of INSAT system rests with the Secretary-level INSAT Coordination Committee.<ref name="INSAT">{{Cite web|title=Communication satellites|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/communication-satellites|work=ISRO|access-date=2021-03-19}}</ref> The nomenclature of satellite series was shifted to "[[GSAT]]" from "INSAT" which was further changed to "CMS" from 2020 onwards.<ref name="THCMS">{{Cite news|date=2020-12-17|title=ISRO launches India's 42nd communication satellite CMS-01 on-board PSLV-C50|url=https://m.businesstoday.in/story/isro--to-launch-indias-42nd--communication-satellite-cms01-onboard-pslv-c50/1/425216.html|newspaper=Business Today|access-date=2021-03-19}}</ref> These satellites have been in use by [[Indian Armed Forces]]as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/navy-to-buy-rs-1589-crore-satellite-from-isro/articleshow/70283927.cms|title=Indian Navy: Navy to buy Rs 1589 crore satellite from ISRO|access-date=2021-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=GSAT-7A|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/launcher/gslv-f11-gsat-7a-mission|work=ISRO}}</ref> [[GSAT-9]] or "SAARC Satellite" is a notable example for serving communication services for India's smaller neighbors.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GSAT-9|url=http://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/gsat-9|work=ISRO}}</ref>
 
=== Gagan Satellite Navigation System ===
{{Main|GPS-aided geo-augmented navigation}}
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to implement an indigenous Satellite-Based Regional GPS Augmentation System also known as [[GNSS augmentation|Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)]] as part of the Satellite-Based Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management plan for civil aviation. The Indian SBAS system has been given an acronym [[GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation|GAGAN – GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation]]. A national plan for satellite navigation including implementation of Technology Demonstration System over the Indian air space as a proof of concept has been prepared jointly by [[Airports Authority of India]] and ISRO. Technology Demonstration System was completed during 2007 by installing eight Indian Reference Stations at eight Indian airports and linked to the Master Control Centre located near Bangalore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/mindfly/ensuring-safety-and-reliabity-through-indigenous-satellite-navigation-system-gagan/|title=Ensuring safety and reliabity through indigenous satellite navigation system GAGAN|date=2019-01-12|website=Times of India Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2021-03-19}}</ref>
 
=== Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) ===
{{Main|Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System}}
[[File:IRNSS Coverage Polygon.png|alt=|thumb|Coverage of the IRNSS in blue, as of 2020]]
[[Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System|IRNSS]] with an operational name [[NavIC]] is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India. It is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1500&nbsp;km from its borders, which is its primary service area. IRNSS provides two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS) and provides a position accuracy of better than 20&nbsp;m in the primary service area.<ref>{{cite web|title=Navigation Satellite|url=http://isro.org/satellites/navigationsatellites.aspx|publisher=ISRO|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023005513/http://www.isro.org/satellites/navigationsatellites.aspx|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system developed by Indian Space Research Organisation, which is under total control of Indian government. The requirement of such a navigation system is driven by the fact that access to global navigation systems like [[GPS]] is not guaranteed in hostile situations.
 
=== Other satellites ===
{{Dynamic list|date=March 2021}}
[[Kalpana-1]] (MetSat-1) was ISRO's first dedicated meteorological satellite.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eoportal.org/directory/pres_Kalpana1MetSat1MeteorologicalSatellite1.html |title=eoPortal directory: Kalpana-1/MetSat-1 (Meteorological Satellite-1) |publisher=Eoportal.org |access-date=11 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908092933/http://www.eoportal.org/directory/pres_Kalpana1MetSat1MeteorologicalSatellite1.html |archive-date=8 September 2012  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaonline.in/Profile/Science/research/Space-Technology.aspx |title=Space Technology in India &#124; Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |publisher=Indiaonline.in |access-date=11 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162412/http://www.indiaonline.in/Profile/Science/research/Space-Technology.aspx |archive-date=21 July 2011  }}</ref> Indo-French satellite [[SARAL]] on 25 February 2013. SARAL (or "Satellite with ARgos and AltiKa") is a cooperative altimetry technology mission, used for monitoring the oceans' surface and sea levels. AltiKa measures ocean surface topography with an accuracy of 8&nbsp;mm, against 2.5&nbsp;cm on average using altimeters, and with a spatial resolution of 2&nbsp;km.<ref name=iex25f13>{{cite news|title=India successfully launches Indo-French, 6 foreign satellites|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-successfully-launches-indofrench-6-foreign-satellites/1079446/0|access-date=25 February 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=25 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301034013/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-successfully-launches-indofrench-6-foreign-satellites/1079446/0|archive-date=1 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellite_missions/list_of_satellites/sara_general.html |title=Satellite SARAL |publisher=Ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov |access-date=24 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705114650/http://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellite_missions/list_of_satellites/sara_general.html |archive-date=5 July 2012  }}</ref>
 
== Launch vehicles ==
<span id="launch vehicle fleet"></span>
[[File:Indian carrier rockets.svg|thumb|300 px|Comparison of Indian carrier rockets. Left to right: [[Satellite Launch Vehicle|SLV]], [[ASLV]], [[PSLV]], [[GSLV]], [[GSLV Mark III]]]]
During the 1960s and 1970s, India initiated its own launch vehicles owing to geopolitical and economic considerations. In the 1960s–1970s, the country developed a sounding rocket, and by the 1980s, research had yielded the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 and the more advanced [[Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle]] (ASLV), complete with operational supporting infrastructure.{{sfn|Gupta|Suresh|Sivan|2007|1697}} ISRO further applied its energies to the advancement of launch vehicle technology resulting in the realisation of the successful PSLV and GSLV vehicles.
 
=== Satellite Launch Vehicle ===
{{Main|Satellite Launch Vehicle}}
[[File:Stamp of India - 1981 - Colnect 505879 - Launch of Rohini Satellite.jpeg|thumb|Stamp depicting SLV-3 D1 carrying [[Rohini (satellite)|RS-D1]] satellite to orbit.]]
Satellite Launch Vehicle (known as SLV-3) was the first space rocket to be developed by India. The initial launch in 1979 was a failure followed by a successful launch in 1980 making way for India into the club of countries with orbital launch capabilities. The development of bigger rockets was pushed ahead thereafter.<ref name="SLVFlipbook"/>
 
=== Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle ===
{{Main|Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle}}
Augmented or Advanced Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) was another small launch vehicle realised in 1980s to develop technologies required to place satellites into [[geostationary orbit]]. ISRO did not have adequate funds to develop ASLV and PSLV at once. Since ASLV suffered repeated failures, it was dropped in favour of a new project.<ref name="bharat-rakshak.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/SPACE/space-launchers-aslv.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-07-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829151541/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/SPACE/space-launchers-aslv.html |archive-date=2009-08-29 }}</ref><ref name=ITASLV/>
 
=== Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ===
{{Main|Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle}}
[[File:PSLV-C11 launch2.jpg|thumb|PSLV-C11 lifts off carrying [[Chandrayaan-1]], first Indian mission to the moon.]]
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV is the first [[medium-lift launch vehicle]] from India which enabled India to launch all its remote-sensing satellites into [[Sun-synchronous orbit]]. PSLV had a failure in its maiden launch in 1993. Besides other two partial failure, PSLV has become primary workhorse for ISRO with more than 50 launches placing hundreds of Indian and foreign satellites into orbit.<ref>{{cite web|title=PSLV (1)|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/pslv_1.htm|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>
 
Decade-wise summary of PSLV launches:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Decade
! Successful
! Partial success
! Failures
! Total
|-
|1990s
| 3
| 1
| 1
| 5
|-
| 2000s
| 11
| 0
| 0
| 11
|-
| 2010s
| 33
| 0
| 1
| 34
|-
| 2020s
| 3
| 0
| 0
| 3
|-
| Total
| 50
| 1
| 2
| 53
|}
 
=== Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) ===
{{Main|Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle}}
[[File:GSLV-F08 Liftoff 5.jpg|thumb|GSLV-F08 launches [[GSAT-6A]] into [[geostationary transfer orbit]] (2018).]]
[[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle]] is envisaged in 1990s to transfer significant payloads to geostationary orbit. ISRO initially had great problem in development of GSLV as development of [[CE-7.5]] in India took a decade. US had blocked India from obtaining cryogenic technology from Russia which induced India to develop its own cryogenic engines.<ref name=flGSLVQuest/>
 
Decade-wise summary of GSLV Launches:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Decade
! Successful
! Partial success
! Failures
! Total
|-
| 2000s
| 2
| 2
| 1
| 5
|-
| 2010s
| 6
| 0
| 2
| 8
|-
| Total
| 8
| 2
| 3
| 13
|}
 
=== GSLV Mark III ===
{{Main|GSLV Mark III}}
[[File:GSLV-Mk III-D1 being moved from Vehicle Assembly Building to second launch pad.jpg|thumb|GSLV Mk III D1 being moved from assembly building to the launch pad.]]
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), also known as LVM3, is the heaviest rocket in operational service with ISRO. Equipped with a more powerful cryogenic engine and boosters than GSLV, it has significantly higher playload capacity and allows India to launch all its communication satellites.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-11-15|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-masters-rocket-science-with-isro-sucessfully-launching-gsat-29-satellite/story-m72QQBzx7fxEYLyyoMRgPI.html|title='India masters rocket science': Here's why the new ISRO launch is special|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=2021-03-19}}</ref> LVM3 is expected to carry [[Gaganyaan|India's first manned mission to space]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Gaganyaan: Isro's unmanned space mission for December 2020 likely to be delayed |url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/current-affairs/gaganyaan-isro-s-unmanned-space-mission-for-dec-2020-likely-to-be-delayed-120081600635_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard|date=2020-08-16 |access-date=2021-03-19|via=Press Trust of India}}</ref> and will be the testbed for [[SCE-200]] engine which will power India's [[heavy-lift launch vehicle|heavy lift rockets]] in future.<ref name="Episode 90">{{Cite web|title = Episode 90 – An update on ISRO's activities with S Somanath and R Umamaheshwaran|url = https://astrotalkuk.org/episode-90-an-update-on-isros-activities-with-s-somanath-and-r-umamaheshwaran/|date = 2019-10-24|access-date = 2021-03-19|publisher = AstrotalkUK}}</ref>
 
Decade-wise summary of GSLV Mark III launches:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Decade
! Successful
! Partial success
! Failures
! Total
|-
| 2010s
| 4
| 0
| 0
| 4<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/14-nov-2018/gslv-mkiii-d2-successfully-launches-gsat-29|title=GSLV MkIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29|publisher=ISRO|access-date=14 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224155/https://www.isro.gov.in/update/14-nov-2018/gslv-mkiii-d2-successfully-launches-gsat-29|archive-date=14 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}
 
== Human Spaceflight Programme ==
{{Main|Indian Human Spaceflight Programme|Gaganyaan}}
First proposal to send humans in space was discussed in ISRO in 2006 which subsequently led to the beginning of work on required infrastructure and spacecrafts.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2006-11-07|title=Scientists Discuss Indian Manned Space Mission|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/07-nov-2006/scientists-discuss-indian-manned-space-mission|work=ISRO|access-date=2021-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200708091621.htm | title=ISRO considering manned space mission: Nair |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India | date=9 August 2007}}</ref> The trials for crewed space missions began in 2007 with the 600&nbsp;kg [[Space Capsule Recovery Experiment]] (SRE), launched using the [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]] (PSLV) rocket, and safely returned to earth 12 days later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aprsaf.org/data/aprsaf14_data/day1/SEU10_SRE%20slides%20for%20web.pdf|title=Space Capsule Recovery Experiment(SRE)|date=21 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103000/http://www.aprsaf.org/data/aprsaf14_data/day1/SEU10_SRE%20slides%20for%20web.pdf|archive-date=24 December 2013|access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref>
 
In 2009, the Indian Space Research Organisation proposed a budget of {{INRConvert|124|b|lk=on|year=2009}} for its human spaceflight programme. An uncrewed demonstration flight was expected after 7 years from the final approval and a crewed mission to be launched after seven years of funding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/plan-panel-okays-isro-manned-space-flight/426945/ |title=Plan panel okays ISRO manned space flight |work=The Indian Express |date=23 February 2009 |access-date=11 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607014311/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/plan-panel-okays-isro-manned-space-flight/426945 |archive-date=7 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Manned mission initially wasn't a priority and was left on backburner for several years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/satellites-are-our-priority-now-not-human-space-flight/299103|title=Satellites Are Our Priority Now, Not Human Space Flight|work=Outlook|access-date=2021-03-20}}</ref> A [[Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment|space capsule recovery experiment]] in 2014<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-successfully-test-fires-gslv-markiii-its-heaviest-rocket/article6703691.ece |title=GSLV Mark III takes to the skies in test flight |newspaper=The Hindu |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602005710/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-successfully-test-fires-gslv-markiii-its-heaviest-rocket/article6703691.ece |archive-date=2 June 2017 |url-status=live |last1=Kandavel |first1=Sangeetha }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/india-to-launch-unmanned-crew-module-in-december/articleshow/44987199.cms| title=India to launch unmanned crew module in December| work=[[The Economic Times]]| date=30 October 2014| access-date=20 March 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102044330/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/india-to-launch-unmanned-crew-module-in-december/articleshow/44987199.cms| archive-date=2 November 2014| url-status=live}}</ref> and a pad abort test in 2018<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/isros-first-pad-abort-test-successful/article24336860.ece|title=ISRO's first 'pad abort' test, critical for future human space mission, successful|newspaper=The Hindu|date=5 July 2018|access-date=15 August 2018|via=www.thehindu.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705205114/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/isros-first-pad-abort-test-successful/article24336860.ece|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> were followed by [[PM Modi]]'s announcement on Independence Day address 15 August 2018 that India will send astronauts into space by 2022 on the new ''[[Gaganyaan]]'' spacecraft.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gaganyaan-mission-to-take-indian-astronaut-to-space-by-2022-pm-modi/article24695817.ece|title=Gaganyaan mission to take Indian astronaut to space by 2022: PM Modi|newspaper=The Hindu|date=15 August 2018|access-date=15 August 2018|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> Till date, ISRO has developed most of the technologies needed such as crew module and crew escape system, space food and life support systems. The project would cost less than {{INR}}100&nbsp;billion and would include sending 2 or 3 Indians to space, {{cvt|300|-|400|km}} above in a spacecraft for at least seven days using a GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-plans-to-put-man-in-space-for-7-days-says-indian-space-research-organisation-chairman-k-sivan-1900888|title=Indian Astronaut Will Be in Space For 7 Days, Confirms ISRO Chairman|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815151504/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-plans-to-put-man-in-space-for-7-days-says-indian-space-research-organisation-chairman-k-sivan-1900888|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/jfk-1961-modi-2018-pm-announces-indian-space-2022-isro-ready-86635?amp|title=JFK in 1961, Modi in 2018: PM announces 'Indian in space by 2022,' but is ISRO ready?|date=15 August 2018|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815201219/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/jfk-1961-modi-2018-pm-announces-indian-space-2022-isro-ready-86635?amp|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
=== Astronaut training and other facilities ===
The newly established [[Human Space Flight Centre]] (HSFC) will coordinate the IHSF campaign.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-announces-human-space-flight-centre/article25967944.ece|title=ISRO starts Human Space Flight centre|last=Ds|first=Madhumathi|date=11 January 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=11 January 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531074335/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-announces-human-space-flight-centre/article25967944.ece|archive-date=31 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/30-jan-2019/inauguration-of-human-space-flight-centre-hsfc|title=Inauguration of Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) – ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329015418/https://www.isro.gov.in/update/30-jan-2019/inauguration-of-human-space-flight-centre-hsfc|archive-date=29 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ISRO will set up an astronaut training centre in Bangalore to prepare personnel for flights on board the crewed vehicle. The centre will use simulation facilities to train the selected astronauts in rescue and recovery operations and survival in [[zero gravity]], and will undertake studies of the radiation environment of space. ISRO had to build [[High-G training|centrifuges]] to prepare astronauts for the acceleration phase of the launch. Existing launch facilities in [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] would have to be upgraded for the Indian Human Spaceflight campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/nov/15/indias-human-space-programme-gets-a-fillip-1898396.html|title=India's human space programme gets a fillip|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=11 January 2019|quote=Initially, the plan was the construct a new launch pad for the human space flight, but Sivan told the Express that due to paucity of time one of the two existing launch pads is being modified to meet the requirement.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112095045/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/nov/15/indias-human-space-programme-gets-a-fillip-1898396.html|archive-date=12 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Human Space Flight Centre]] and [[Glavcosmos]] signed an agreement on 1 July 2019 for the selection, support, medical examination and space training of Indian astronauts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/its-official-india-picks-russia-to-pick-train-astronauts/articleshow/70031169.cms|title=Gaganyaan: India chooses Russia to pick & train astronauts {{!}} India News – Times of India|date=1 July 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723221603/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/its-official-india-picks-russia-to-pick-train-astronauts/articleshow/70031169.cms|archive-date=23 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> An ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) was to be set up in [[Moscow]] to facilitate the development of some key technologies and establishment of special facilities which are essential to support life in space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-will-set-up-unit-in-moscow-to-develop-technology-needed-for-gaganyaan-mission/articleshow/70471565.cms|title=Isro will set up unit in Moscow to develop technology needed for Gaganyaan mission {{!}} India News – Times of India|last=Singh|first=Surendra|date=31 July 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820164300/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-will-set-up-unit-in-moscow-to-develop-technology-needed-for-gaganyaan-mission/articleshow/70471565.cms|archive-date=20 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The training of 4 Indian Air Force personnel was undertaken in [[Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center]] and had been completed in March 2021.<ref name="Trainingok">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Chethan|date=2021-03-19|title=Gaganyaan: Astronauts clear all tests, Russia training to end this month|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/astronauts-clear-all-tests-russia-training-to-end-this-month/articleshow/81575438.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2021-03-21}}</ref>
 
=== Crewed spacecraft ===
{{Main|Gaganyaan}}
ISRO is working towards an [[orbital spaceflight|orbital]] crewed spacecraft that can operate for seven days in a [[low Earth orbit]]. The spacecraft, called ''[[Gaganyaan]]'', will be the basis of the [[Indian Human Spaceflight Programme]]. The spacecraft is being developed to carry up to three people, and a planned upgraded version will be equipped with a rendezvous and docking capability. In its maiden crewed mission, ISRO's largely autonomous 3-tonne spacecraft will orbit the Earth at {{cvt|400|km}} in altitude for up to seven days with a two-person crew on board. The crewed mission is planned to be launched on ISRO's [[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III|GSLV Mk III]] in 2022.<ref name="launch 2022">[https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gaganyaan-mission-to-take-indian-astronaut-to-space-by-2022-pm-modi/article24695817.ece Gaganyaan mission to take Indian astronaut to space by 2022: PM Modi]. ''The Hindu''. 15 August 2018.</ref>
 
=== Space station{{anchor|Space Station}} ===
India plans to build a [[space station]] as a follow-up programme of the [[Gaganyaan]] mission. ISRO chairman [[K. Sivan]] has said that India will not join the [[International Space Station programme]] and will instead build a 20 tonne space station on its own.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/india-planning-to-have-own-space-station-isro-chief/articleshow/69771669.cms|title=India planning to have own space station: ISRO chief|date=13 June 2019|work=The Economic Times|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702043332/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/india-planning-to-have-own-space-station-isro-chief/articleshow/69771669.cms|archive-date=2 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-have-its-own-space-station-isro/articleshow/69775360.cms|title=India's own space station to come up in 5–7 years: Isro chief {{!}} India News – Times of India|date=13 June 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804044046/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-have-its-own-space-station-isro/articleshow/69775360.cms|archive-date=4 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It is expected to be placed in a low Earth orbit of a {{convert|400|km|adj=on}} altitude and be capable of harbouring three humans for 15{{ndash}}20 days. Rough time-frame is five to seven years after completion of ''Gaganyaan'' project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-space-station-likely-to-have-space-for-three/articleshow/71828669.cms|title=India's space station likely to have space for three|date=31 October 2019|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-to-have-a-separate-space-station-isro/article27898707.ece|title=India to have its own space station: ISRO|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2019-06-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-11-01|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|quote=Giving out broad contours of the planned space station, Dr. Sivan said it has been envisaged to weigh 20 tonnes and will be placed in an orbit of 400 km above earth where astronauts can stay for 15-20 days. The time frame is 5-7 years after Gaganyaan, he stated.}}</ref>
 
== Planetary sciences and astronomy ==
There is a national balloon launching facility at Hyderabad jointly supported by [[TIFR]] and ISRO. This facility has been extensively used for carrying out research in high energy (i.e., X- and gamma-ray) astronomy, IR astronomy, middle atmospheric trace constituents including CFCs & aerosols, ionisation, electric conductivity and electric fields.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stratocat.com.ar/bases/31e.htm |title=Stratospheric balloon launch bases and sites |publisher=StratoCat |access-date=4 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170531/http://stratocat.com.ar/bases/31e.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
The flux of secondary particles and [[X-ray]] and gamma-rays of atmospheric origin produced by the interaction of the cosmic rays is very low. This low background, in the presence of which one has to detect the feeble signal from cosmic sources is a major advantage in conducting hard X-ray observations from India. The second advantage is that many bright sources like [[Cyg X-1]], [[Crab Nebula]], [[Scorpius X-1]] and Galactic Centre sources are observable from Hyderabad due to their favourable declination. With these considerations, an [[X-ray astronomy]] group was formed at TIFR in 1967 and development of an instrument with an orientable [[X-ray telescope]] for hard X-ray observations was undertaken. The first balloon flight with the new instrument was made on 28 April 1968 in which observations of Scorpius X-1 were successfully carried out. In a succession of balloon flights made with this instrument between 1968 and 1974 a number of binary X-ray sources including [[Cygnus X-1|Cyg X-1]] and [[Her X-1]], and the [[Diffuse X-ray background|diffuse cosmic X-ray background]] were studied. Many new and astrophysically important results were obtained from these observations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isro.org/space_science/images/BalloonXrayStudies.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 March 2009 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020528045243/http://www.isro.org/space_science/images/BalloonXrayStudies.htm |archive-date=28 May 2002 }}</ref>
 
ISRO played a role in the discovery of three species of bacteria in the upper stratosphere at an altitude of between {{cvt|20|-|40|km}}. The bacteria, highly resistant to [[ultra-violet radiation]], are not found elsewhere on Earth, leading to speculation on whether they are extraterrestrial in origin.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Harris | first1 = Melanie J. | last2 = Wickramasinghe | first2 = N.C. | last3 = Lloyd | first3 = David | display-authors = etal | year = 2002 | issue = Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology IV | doi = 10.1117/12.454758 | journal = Proc. SPIE | volume = 4495 | title = Detection of living cells in stratospheric samples | page = 192 | series = Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology IV | url = http://repository.iucaa.in:8080/jspui/bitstream/11007/1631/1/295aB_2002.pdf | access-date = 21 September 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170922023031/http://repository.iucaa.in:8080/jspui/bitstream/11007/1631/1/295aB_2002.pdf | archive-date = 22 September 2017 | url-status = live | bibcode = 2002SPIE.4495..192H | s2cid = 129736236 }}</ref> These three bacteria can be considered to be [[extremophile]]s. The bacteria were named as ''Bacillus isronensis'' in recognition of ISRO's contribution in the balloon experiments, which led to its discovery, ''Bacillus aryabhata'' after India's celebrated ancient astronomer [[Aryabhata]] and ''Janibacter hoylei'' after the distinguished astrophysicist [[Fred Hoyle]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Shivaji | first1 = S. | last2 = Chaturvedi | first2 = P. | last3 = Begum | first3 = Z. | display-authors = etal  | year = 2009 | title = ''Janibacter hoylei'' sp.nov., ''Bacillus isronensis'' sp.nov. and ''Bacillus aryabhattai'' sp.nov. isolated from cryotubes used for collecting air from the upper atmosphere | journal = International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology | volume = 59 | issue = 12| pages = 2977–2986 | doi = 10.1099/ijs.0.002527-0 | pmid=19643890| doi-access = free }}</ref>
 
=== Astrosat ===
{{main|Astrosat}}
[[File:Astrosat-1 in deployed configuration.png|thumb|Astrosat-1 in deployed configuration]]
Launched in 2015, Astrosat is India's first dedicated multi wavelength [[space observatory]]. Its observation study includes [[active galactic nuclei]], hot [[white dwarfs]], pulsations of [[pulsars]], binary star systems, [[supermassive black hole]]s located at the centre of the [[galaxies]], etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/28-sep-2018/three-years-of-astrosat|title=Three years of AstroSat – ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|language=en|access-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830213436/http://isro.gov.in/update/28-sep-2018/three-years-of-astrosat|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
== Extraterrestrial exploration ==
=== Lunar exploration ===
{{Main|Chandrayaan programme}}
Chandryaan ({{lit|Mooncraft}}) are the series of India's lunar exploration spacecrafts. Initial mission included orbiter and controlled impact probes while further missions include landers, rovers and sampling missions also.<ref name="Episode 90"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=A mix of young and middle-aged people will train for Gaganyaan|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2020/01/24/a-mix-of-young-and-middle-aged-people-will-train-for-gaganyaan.html|website=The Week|language=en|access-date=2021-03-20}}</ref>
 
;Chandrayaan-1
{{Main|Chandrayaan-1}}
[[File:CY1 2007 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Rendering of [[Chandrayaan-1]] spacecraft]]
Chandrayaan-1 was India's first mission to the Moon. The robotic lunar exploration mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor called the [[Moon Impact Probe]]. ISRO launched the spacecraft using a modified version of the PSLV on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The vehicle was inserted into lunar orbit on 8 November 2008. It carried high-resolution remote sensing equipment for visible, near infrared, and soft and hard X-ray frequencies. During its 312 days operational period (2 years planned), it surveyed the lunar surface to produce a complete map of its chemical characteristics and 3-dimensional topography. The polar regions were of special interest, as they possibly had [[lunar ice|ice]] deposits. The spacecraft carried 11 instruments: 5 Indian and 6 from foreign institutes and space agencies (including [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]], [[European Space Agency|ESA]], [[Bulgarian Academy of Sciences]], [[Brown University]] and other European and North American institutes/companies), which were carried free of cost. Chandrayaan-1 became the first lunar mission to discover existence of water on the Moon.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/30/stories/2009083060730100.htm|title=Mission definitely over|date=30 August 2009|access-date=29 August 2009|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830221828/http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/30/stories/2009083060730100.htm|archive-date=30 August 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Chandrayaan-166 team was awarded the [[American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics]] SPACE 2009 award,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.domain-b.com/aero/aero_general/20090901_chandrayaan1.html|title=domain-b.com : American astronautics society award for Chandrayaan-1 team|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923215805/http://www.domain-b.com/aero/aero_general/20090901_chandrayaan1.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[International Lunar Exploration Working Group]]'s International Co-operation award in 2008,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081201/nation.htm#14 | title=Chandrayaan-1 wins global award | date=30 November 2008 | agency=Tribune News Service | access-date=2 February 2015 | author=Choudhury, Shubhadeep | location=Bangalore | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808030908/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081201/nation.htm#14 | archive-date=8 August 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[National Space Society]]'s 2009 [[Space Pioneer Awards|Space Pioneer Award]] in the science and engineering category.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nss.org/awards/2009.html | title=NSS awards for 2009 | publisher=National Space Society | access-date=2 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202011649/http://www.nss.org/awards/2009.html | archive-date=2 February 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/features/2010/lcross_award.html | title=NASA's Lunar Impact Mission Honored by National Space Society | publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration | date=17 June 2010 | access-date=2 February 2013 | author=Hoover, Rachel | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109115404/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/features/2010/lcross_award.html | archive-date=9 January 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
;Chandrayaan-2
{{Main|Chandrayaan-2}}
[[File:GSLV Mk III M1, Chandrayaan-2 - Vikram lander mounted on top of orbiter.jpg|thumb|''Vikram'' lander mounted on top of the [[Chandrayaan-2]] orbiter.|alt=]]
Chandrayaan-2 is second mission to the Moon, which included an orbiter, a lander and a rover. Chandrayaan-2 was launched on a [[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III]] (GSLV-MkIII) on 22 July 2019, consisted of a lunar orbiter, the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan lunar rover, all of which were developed in India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49032603|title=India launches second Moon mission|date=22 July 2019|work=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=23 July 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822092132/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49032603|archive-date=22 August 2019|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="gslv3">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-2-launch-put-off-india-israel-in-lunar-race-for-4th-position/articleshow/65275012.cms|title=Chandrayaan-2 launch put off: India, Israel in lunar race for 4th position|last=Singh|first=Surendra|date=5 August 2018|work=The Times of India|access-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819060901/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-2-launch-put-off-india-israel-in-lunar-race-for-4th-position/articleshow/65275012.cms|archive-date=19 August 2018|agency=Times News Network}}</ref> It was the first mission meant to explore the little-explored [[lunar south pole]] region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/chandrayaan-2-launch-moon-mission-isro-live-less-than-two-hours-to-go-for-indias-second-date-with-the-moon-2240201.html|title=India Successfully Launches Chandrayaan-2, Aims to Become First to Probe Lunar South Pole|website=News18|date=23 July 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723131504/https://www.news18.com/news/india/chandrayaan-2-launch-moon-mission-isro-live-less-than-two-hours-to-go-for-indias-second-date-with-the-moon-2240201.html|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref> The main objective of the Chandrayaan-2 mission is to demonstrate ISRO's ability to soft-land on the lunar surface and operate a robotic rover on the surface. Some of its scientific aims are to conduct studies of lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, the lunar exosphere, and signatures of hydroxyl and water ice.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANDRYN2|title=NASA – NSSDCA – Spacecraft – Details|website=nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729172632/https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANDRYN2|archive-date=29 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref>
 
The ''Vikram'' lander, carrying the ''Pragyan'' rover, was scheduled to land on the near side of the Moon, in a south polar region at a latitude of about 70° south at approximately 1:50&nbsp;am(IST) on 7 September 2019. However, the lander deviated from its intended trajectory starting from an altitude of 2.1 kilometres (1.3&nbsp;mi), and [[telemetry]] was lost seconds before touchdown was expected.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/chandrayaan2-home|title=Chandrayaan2 Home – ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729041910/https://www.isro.gov.in/chandrayaan2-home|archive-date=29 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref> A review board concluded that the crash-landing was caused by a [[software]] glitch.<ref name="Failure report">[https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2019/11/16/how-did-chandrayaan-2-fail-isro-answer.html How did Chandrayaan 2 fail? ISRO finally has the answer.] Mahesh Guptan, ''The Week''. 16 November 2019.</ref> The lunar orbiter was efficiently positioned in an optimal lunar orbit, extending its expected service time from one year to seven years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/chandrayaan2-latest-updates|title=Chandrayaan2 Latest updates - ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref> There will be another attempt for soft landing on moon at the end of 2020 or early 2021, but without an orbiter.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gaganyaan-chandrayaan-3-in-mission-mode-says-isro/article30449839.ece|title=Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-3 in mission mode, says ISRO|newspaper=The Hindu|date=1 January 2020|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>
 
=== Mars exploration ===
;Mars Orbiter Mission ''(MOM)'' or ''(Mangalyaan-1)''
{{Main|Mars Orbiter Mission}}
[[File:Mars Orbiter Mission - India - ArtistsConcept.jpg|thumb|Artist's rendering of the [[Mars Orbiter Mission]] spacecraft, with [[Mars]] in the background.]]The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), informally known as ''Mangalyaan'', was launched into Earth [[orbit]] on 5 November 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and has entered Mars orbit on 24 September 2014.<ref name="prelaunch Oct 2013">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/technology/science/india-becomes-first-country-to-enter-mars-orbit-on-their-first-attempt/story-fnjwlbuf-1227068835676?nk=20dfb6bbe7f9267fcf8572967c544066|title=India becomes first country to enter Mars' orbit on their first attempt|date=24 September 2014|work=Herald Sun|access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref> India thus became the first country to enter Mars orbit on its first attempt. It was completed at a record low cost of $74&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/8916/india%E2%80%99s-maiden-mars-mission-makes-history|title=India's Maiden Mars Mission Makes History|access-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925093532/http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/8916/india%E2%80%99s-maiden-mars-mission-makes-history|archive-date=25 September 2014|publisher=Bloomberg TV India}}</ref>
 
MOM was placed into Mars orbit on 24 September 2014 at 8:23&nbsp;am [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]. The spacecraft had a launch mass of {{cvt|1337|kg|abbr=on}}, with {{cvt|15|kg|abbr=on}} of five scientific instruments as payload.
 
The National Space Society awarded the Mars Orbiter Mission team the 2015 Space Pioneer Award in the science and engineering category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.nss.org/?p=4622|title=Indian Space Research Organisation Mars Orbiter Programme Team Wins National Space Society's Space Pioneer Award for Science and Engineering|author=Brandt-Erichsen, David|date=12 January 2015|publisher=National Space Society|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202002327/http://blog.nss.org/?p=4622|archive-date=2 February 2015|access-date=2 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/isro-mars-orbiter-mission-team-wins-space-pioneer-award-726885|title=ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission team Wins Space Pioneer Award|date=14 January 2015|access-date=2 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202011731/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/isro-mars-orbiter-mission-team-wins-space-pioneer-award-726885|archive-date=2 February 2015|publisher=NDTV|location=Washington, United States}}</ref>
 
== Future projects ==
{{main|Future projects of ISRO}}
Along with a number of communication and earth observation satellites in future, ISRO aims to send humans into space and later establish a space station to facilitate a few weeks long stay of astronauts. Agency aims to develop and operationalise more powerful and less pollutive rocket engines to eventually develop much heavier rockets, develop electric and nuclear propulsion for satellites and spacecrafts for reduced weight and longer lives, landing a rover on the moon, sending missions to Sun, Venus, Mars, asteroids, comets and [[outer solar system]], deploying more [[List of space telescopes|telescopes in space]] and developing satellite navigation systems with global coverage.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-mars-venus-on-isros-planetary-travel-list/articleshow/69381185.cms After Mars, Venus on Isro's planetary travel list.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827144405/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-mars-venus-on-isros-planetary-travel-list/articleshow/69381185.cms|date=27 August 2019}} U. Tejonmayam, ''Times of India''. 18 May 2019.</ref> Long term plans may include manned landings on moon and other planets as well.<ref name="HTSep20">{{Cite news|last=Dutt|first=Anonna|location=New Delhi|title=Gaganyaan mission: Astronauts to undergo Isro module next year|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-astronauts-to-undergo-isro-module-next-year/story-t4FPl0e2b7sLMgqyJ6QoyH.html|date=2020-09-18|access-date=2021-03-20}}</ref>
 
== Applications ==
=== Telecommunication ===
India uses its satellite communication network – one of the largest in the world – for applications such as land management, water resources management, natural disaster forecasting, radio networking, weather forecasting, meteorological imaging and computer communication.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1738>Bhaskaranarayana, 1738–1746</ref> Business, administrative services, and schemes such as the [[National Informatics Centre]] (NIC) are direct beneficiaries of applied satellite technology.<ref name=autogenerated1>Bhaskaranarayana, 1738</ref> Dinshaw Mistry, on the subject of practical applications of the Indian space program, writes:
 
{{Quote|text="The INSAT-2 satellites also provide telephone links to remote areas; data transmission for organisations such as the National Stock Exchange; mobile satellite service communications for private operators, railways, and road transport; and broadcast satellite services, used by India's state-owned television agency as well as commercial television channels. India's EDUSAT (Educational Satellite), launched aboard the GSLV in 2004, was intended for adult literacy and distance learning applications in rural areas. It augmented and would eventually replace such capabilities already provided by INSAT-3B."|sign=|source=}}
 
=== Resource management ===
The IRS satellites have found applications with the Indian Natural Resource Management program, with Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres in five Indian cities, and with Remote Sensing Application Centres in twenty Indian states that use IRS images for economic development applications. These include environmental monitoring, analysing soil erosion and the impact of soil conservation measures, forestry management, determining land cover for wildlife sanctuaries, delineating groundwater potential zones, flood inundation mapping, drought monitoring, estimating crop acreage and deriving agricultural production estimates, fisheries monitoring, mining and geological applications such as surveying metal and mineral deposits, and urban planning.
 
=== Military ===
[[Integrated Space Cell]], under the [[Integrated Defence Staff]] headquarters of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Indian Ministry of Defence]],<ref name=iss>{{cite web |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JF18Df01.html |title=India goes to war in space |date=18 June 2008 |access-date=2 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811041736/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JF18Df01.html |archive-date=11 August 2010 |url-status=unfit }}</ref> has been set up to utilise more effectively the country's space-based assets for military purposes and to look into threats to these assets.<ref>{{cite web | title=India in aerospace defence plan | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6307875.stm | publisher=[[BBC]] | date=28 January 2007 | access-date=24 April 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929001552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6307875.stm | archive-date=29 September 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=India Begins Work on Space Weapons Command |url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/India_Begins_Work_On_Space_Weapons_Command.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070709071654/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/India_Begins_Work_On_Space_Weapons_Command.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 July 2007 |publisher=SpaceDaily |date=12 April 2006 |access-date=24 April 2009 }}</ref> This command will leverage space technology including [[satellites]]. Unlike an aerospace command, where the air force controls most of its activities, the Integrated Space Cell envisages cooperation and coordination between the three services as well as civilian agencies dealing with space.<ref name=iss/> With 14 satellites, including [[GSAT-7A]] for the exclusive military use and the rest as dual use satellites, India has the fourth largest number of satellites active in the sky which includes satellites for the exclusive use of Indian Air Force and Indian Navy respectively.<ref name=howmany>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-isros-gsat-7a-launch-is-important-for-iaf/articleshow/67153347.cms Why Isro's Gsat-7A launch is important for the Indian Air Force] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219050914/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-isros-gsat-7a-launch-is-important-for-iaf/articleshow/67153347.cms |date=19 December 2018 }}, Times of India, 19 December 2018.</ref> GSAT-7A, an advanced military communications satellite exclusively for the [[Indian Air Force]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG03/309100007/India-s-Tech-Roadmap-Points-Small-Sats-Space-Weapons|title = India's Tech Roadmap Points to Small Sats, Space Weapons|archive-url = https://archive.today/20150121220451/http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG03/309100007/India-s-Tech-Roadmap-Points-Small-Sats-Space-Weapons|archive-date = 21 January 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> is similar to [[Indian Navy]]'s [[GSAT-7]], and GSAT-7A will enhance [[Network-centric warfare|Network-centric warfare capabilities]] of the Indian Air Force by interlinking different ground radar stations, ground airbase and [[Airborne early warning and control|Airborne early warning and control (AWACS)]] aircraft such as [[Beriev A-50]] [[EL/W-2090|Phalcon]] and [[DRDO AEW&CS]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=skymil1/> GSAT-7A will also be used by [[Indian Army]]'s Aviation Corps for its helicopters and UAV's operations.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=skymil1>{{Cite web|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iaf-to-induct-214-fifth-generation-fighter-jets/189940-3.html|title = IAF to induct 214 fifth generation fighter jets|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120703035131/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iaf-to-induct-214-fifth-generation-fighter-jets/189940-3.html|archive-date = 3 July 2012|url-status = dead}}</ref> In 2013, ISRO launched GSAT-7 for the exclusive use of the [[Indian Navy]] to monitor the [[Indian Ocean|Indian Ocean Region]] (IOR) with the satellite's {{convert|2000|nmi|adj=on}} 'footprint' and real-time input capabilities to Indian warships, submarines and maritime aircraft.<ref name=howmany/> To boost the network-centric operations of the IAF, ISRO launched [[GSAT-7A]] on 19 December 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-successfully-launches-gsat-7a/article25781226.ece|title=GSAT-7A, ISRO's 'angry bird', takes to the skies|last=Rohit|first=T. k|date=19 December 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=howmany/> The [[RISAT]] series of [[Radar imaging|radar-imaging]] [[earth observation satellite]]s is also meant for Military use.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-launches-radar-imaging-observation-satellite-risat-2b/article27211076.ece|title=ISRO launches radar imaging observation satellite RISAT-2B|date=22 May 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2019|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522193100/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-launches-radar-imaging-observation-satellite-risat-2b/article27211076.ece|archive-date=22 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ISRO launched [[EMISAT]] on 1 April 2019. EMISAT is an electronic intelligence ([[ELINT]]) satellite which has a weight of 436-kg. It will help improve the situational awareness of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] by providing information and location of hostile radars.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/pslv-isro-emisat-launch-from-sriharikota-on-april-1/article26699077.ece|title=India gets surveillance satellite|last=D.s|first=Madhumathi|date=1 April 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605075446/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/pslv-isro-emisat-launch-from-sriharikota-on-april-1/article26699077.ece|archive-date=5 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
India's satellites and satellite launch vehicles have had military spin-offs. While India's {{convert|93|-|124|mi|km|lk=out|adj=on|order=flip}} range [[Prithvi missile]] is not derived from the Indian space programme, the intermediate range [[Agni missile]] is drawn from the Indian space programme's SLV-3. In its early years, when headed by Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, ISRO opposed military applications for its dual-use projects such as the SLV-3. Eventually, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based missile programme borrowed human resources and technology from ISRO. Missile scientist [[A.P.J. Abdul Kalam]] (elected president of India in 2002), who had headed the SLV-3 project at ISRO, moved to [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]] to direct India's missile programme. About a dozen scientists accompanied Kalam from ISRO to DRDO, where he designed the Agni missile using the SLV-3's solid fuel first stage and a liquid-fuel (Prithvi-missile-derived) second stage. The IRS and INSAT satellites were primarily intended and used for civilian-economic applications, but they also offered military spin-offs. In 1996 New Delhi's Ministry of Defence temporarily blocked the use of [[IRS-1C]] by India's environmental and agricultural ministries to monitor ballistic missiles near India's borders. In 1997, the [[Indian Air Force]]'s "Airpower Doctrine" aspired to use space assets for surveillance and battle management.<ref name=mistry94>Mistry, 94–95</ref>
 
=== Academic ===
Institutions like the [[Indira Gandhi National Open University]] and the [[Indian Institutes of Technology]] use satellites for scholarly applications.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1744>Bhaskaranarayana, 1744</ref> Between 1975 and 1976, India conducted its largest sociological programme using space technology, reaching 2400{{Nbsp}}villages through video programming in local languages aimed at educational development via [[ATS-6]] technology developed by NASA.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1737>Bhaskaranarayana, 1737</ref> This experiment—named [[Satellite Instructional Television Experiment]] (SITE)—conducted large scale video broadcasts resulting in significant improvement in rural education.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1737/> Education could reach far remote rural places with the help of above programs.
 
===Telemedicine===
ISRO has applied its technology for [[telemedicine]], directly connecting patients in rural areas to medical professionals in urban locations via satellites.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1744/> Since high-quality healthcare is not universally available in some of the remote areas of India, the patients in remote areas are diagnosed and analysed by doctors in urban centers in real time via [[video conferencing]].<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1744/> The patient is then advised medicine and treatment.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1744/> The patient is then treated by the staff at one of the 'super-specialty hospitals' under instructions from the doctor.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1744/> Mobile telemedicine vans are also deployed to visit locations in far-flung areas and provide diagnosis and support to patients.<ref name=Bhaskaranarayana1744/>
 
===Biodiversity Information System===
ISRO has also helped implement India's Biodiversity Information System, completed in October 2002.<ref name=sen490/> Nirupa Sen details the program: "Based on intensive field sampling and mapping using satellite remote sensing and geospatial modeling tools, maps have been made of vegetation cover on a 1: 250,000 scale. This has been put together in a web-enabled database that links gene-level information of plant species with spatial information in a BIOSPEC database of the ecological hot spot regions, namely [[North-East India|northeastern India]], [[Western Ghats]], [[Himalayas|Western Himalayas]] and [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]. This has been made possible with collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and ISRO."<ref name=sen490>Sen, 490</ref>
 
=== Cartography ===
The Indian IRS-P5 ([[CARTOSAT-1]]) was equipped with high-resolution panchromatic equipment to enable it for cartographic purposes.{{sfn|Burleson|2005|page=136}} IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1) was followed by a more advanced model named IRS-P6 developed also for agricultural applications.{{sfn|Burleson|2005|page=136}} The [[CARTOSAT-2]] project, equipped with single panchromatic camera that supported scene-specific on-spot images, succeeded the CARTOSAT-1 project.{{sfn|Burleson|2005|page=143}}
 
=== Spin-offs ===
{{Main|ISRO spinoff technologies}}
ISRO's research has been diverted into spin-offs to develop various technologies for other sectors. Examples include [[Prosthesis|bionic limbs]] for people without or amputated limbs, [[silica aerogel]] to keep Indian soldiers warm who are serving in extremely cold areas, distress alert transmitters for accidents, [[Doppler weather radar]] and various sensors and machines for inspection work in engineering industries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Space Spin Offs From ISRO |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/isro-technology-transfer/space-spin-offs-isro |website=ISRO |access-date=22 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/2019/copuos2019tech39E.pdf|title=Spin-off benefits of the Indian Space Programme|last=Sreerekha|first=U|date=20 June 2019|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920224822/http://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/2019/copuos2019tech39E.pdf|archive-date=20 September 2019|access-date=22 March 2021}}</ref>
 
== International cooperations ==
ISRO has signed various formal cooperative arrangements in the form of either Agreements or Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) or Framework Agreements with [[Afghanistan]], [[Algeria]], [[Argentina]], [[Armenia]], [[Australia]], [[Bahrain]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Brunei]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[China]], [[Egypt]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Indonesia]], [[Israel]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Kuwait]], [[Maldives]], [[Mauritius]], [[Mexico]], [[Mongolia]], [[Morocco]], [[Myanmar]], [[Norway]], [[Peru]], [[Portugal]], [[South Korea]], [[Russia]], [[São Tomé and Príncipe]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Singapore]], [[South Africa]], [[Spain]], [[Oman]], [[Sweden]], [[Syria]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Thailand]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Tunisia]], [[Ukraine]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[United Kingdom]], [[United States]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Venezuela]] and [[Vietnam]]. Formal cooperative instruments have been signed with international multilateral bodies including [[European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts]] (ECMWF), [[European Commission]], [[European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites]] (EUMETSAT), [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) and [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation]] (SAARC).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.isro.gov.in/international-cooperation | title=ISRO – International co-operation | publisher=Indian Space Research Organisation | access-date=27 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212234842/http://www.isro.gov.in/international-cooperation | archive-date=12 February 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
=== Notable collaborative projects ===
;Chandryaan-1
* [[Chandrayaan-1]] also carried scientific payloads to the moon from [[NASA]], [[ESA]], [[Bulgarian Space Agency]], and other institutions/companies in North America and Europe.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bhardwaj |first1=Anil |last2=Barabash |first2=Stas |last3=Futaana |first3=Yoshifumi |last4=Kazama |first4=Yoichi |last5=Asamura |first5=Kazushi |last6=McCann |first6=David |last7=Sridharan |first7=R. |last8=Holmstrom |first8=Mats |last9=Wurz |first9=Peter |last10=Lundin |first10=Rickard |title=Low energy neutral atom imaging on the Moon with the SARA instrument aboard Chandrayaan-1 mission |url=http://www.ias.ac.in/jessci/dec2005/ilc-21.pdf |journal=Journal of Earth System Science |date=December 2005 |volume=114 |issue=6 |pages=749–760 |doi=10.1007/BF02715960 |bibcode=2005JESS..114..749B|s2cid=55554166 }}</ref>
 
;Indo-French satellite missions
ISRO has two collaborative satellite missions with [[CNES]], namely [[Megha-Tropiques]] to study [[water cycle]] in the tropical atmosphere{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|447}} and [[SARAL]] for [[altimetry]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellite_missions/list_of_satellites/sara_general.html |title=Satellite SARAL |publisher=Ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov |access-date=2021-03-21|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705114650/http://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellite_missions/list_of_satellites/sara_general.html |archive-date=2012-07-05 }}</ref> A third mission consisting of an earth observation satellite with thermal infrared imager, TRISHNA (Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High resolution Natural resource Assessment) is being planned between two countries.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-20|title=India, France working on third joint space mission: ISRO Chairman|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-france-working-on-third-joint-space-mission-isro-chairman/article34115470.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2021-03-22}}</ref>
 
;LUPEX
[[Lunar Polar Exploration Mission]] is a joint Indo-Japanese mission to study the surface of polar moon where India is tasked with providing soft landing technologies.<ref name="Episode 82">{{cite web|url=https://astrotalkuk.org/episode-82-jaxa-and-international-collaboration-with-professor-fujimoto-masaki/|title=Episode 82: JAXA and International Collaboration with Professor Fujimoto Masaki|publisher=Astro Talk UK|date=4 January 2019|access-date=10 March 2021}}</ref>
 
;NISAR
[[NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar]] (NISAR) is a joint Indo-US radar project carrying an [[L Band]] and an [[S Band]] radar. It will be world's first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequencies.<ref>{{cite web|title = U.S., India to Collaborate on Mars Exploration, Earth-Observing Mission|url = http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/us-india-to-collaborate-on-mars-exploration-earth-observing-mission/|website = NASA official website|date = 30 September 2014|publisher = National Aeronautics and Space Administration|access-date = 1 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140930211905/http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/us-india-to-collaborate-on-mars-exploration-earth-observing-mission/|archive-date = 30 September 2014|url-status = live}}</ref>
 
Some other notable instances include:
* ISRO operates LUT/MCC under the international COSPAS/SARSAT Programme for Search and Rescue.
* India has established a Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTE-AP) that is sponsored by the United Nations.
* India is a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, [[Cospas-Sarsat]], [[International Astronautical Federation]], [[COSPAR|Committee on Space Research]] (COSPAR), [[Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee]] (IADC), [[International Space University]], and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellite (CEOS).{{sfn|Suri|Rajaram|447}}
*Contributing to planned [[BRICS]] virtual constellation for [[remote sensing]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/2019/copuos2019tech44E.pdf|title=Update on ISRO's International Cooperation|last=Kunhikrishnan|first=P.|date=20 June 2019|page=10|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630161422/http://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/2019/copuos2019tech44E.pdf|archive-date=30 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20190628/1555995527.html|title=В орбитальную группировку стран БРИКС войдут пять космических аппаратов|date=28 June 2019|website=РИА Новости|language=ru|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707194515/https://ria.ru/20190628/1555995527.html|archive-date=7 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
== Statistics ==
Last updated: 4 March 2021<ref name=":2" />
* Total number of foreign satellites launched by ISRO: 342 (35 countries)<ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=List of International Customer Satellites Launched by PSLV|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/342_foreign_satellites.pdf|access-date=4 March 2021|website=www.isro.gov.in}}</ref>
* Spacecraft missions: 117
* Launch missions: 77
* Student satellites: 10 <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/list-of-university-academic-institute-satellites|title=List of University / Academic Institute Satellites - ISRO|website=www.isro.gov.in|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref>
* Re-entry missions: 2
 
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption=Allotted Budget Department wise in %age (Year 2019-20) for ISRO.
|other=
|label1 =[[Space technology|Space Technology]]
|value1 =67.41
|color1 =Red
|label2 =[[Space Applications Centre|Space Applications]]
|value2 =15.11
|color2 =DarkOrange
|label3 =[[Indian National Satellite System|INSAT Operations]]
|value3 =7.08
|color3 =Yellow
|label4 =[[Outline of space science|Space Sciences]]
|value4 =2.28
|color4 =Green
|label5 =Others
|value5 =8.09
|color5 =Blue
}}
 
==Controversies==
 
===S-band spectrum scam===
 
In India, [[electromagnetic spectrum]], being a scarce resource for wireless communication, is auctioned by the Government of India to telecom companies for use. As an example of its value, in 2010, 20 [[Megahertz|MHz]] of [[3G]] spectrum was [[Indian Telecom Spectrum Auction|auctioned]] for {{INRConvert|677|b}}. This part of the spectrum is allocated for terrestrial communication (cell phones). However, in January 2005, Antrix Corporation (commercial arm of ISRO) signed an agreement with Devas Multimedia (a private company formed by former ISRO employees and venture capitalists from the US) for lease of [[S band]] transponders (amounting to 70&nbsp;MHz of spectrum) on two ISRO satellites (GSAT 6 and GSAT 6A) for a price of {{INRConvert|14|b}}, to be paid over a period of 12 years. The spectrum used in these satellites (2500&nbsp;MHz and above) is allocated by the [[International Telecommunication Union]] specifically for satellite-based communication in India. Hypothetically, if the spectrum allocation is changed for utilisation for terrestrial transmission and if this 70&nbsp;MHz of spectrum were sold at the 2010 auction price of the 3G spectrum, its value would have been over {{INRConvert|2000|b}}. This was a hypothetical situation. However, the [[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]] considered this hypothetical situation and estimated the difference between the prices as a loss to the Indian Government.<ref name="Thakur, Pradeep">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Another-spectrum-scam-hits-govt-this-time-from-ISRO/articleshow/7445139.cms|title=Another spectrum scam hits govt, this time from ISRO|last=Thakur|first=Pradeep|date=8 February 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=23 January 2018|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727213455/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Another-spectrum-scam-hits-govt-this-time-from-ISRO/articleshow/7445139.cms|archive-date=27 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Behind the S-band spectrum scandal">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/behind-the-sband-spectrum-scandal/article1200374.ece | title=Behind the S-band spectrum scandal | work=The Hindu | date=28 September 2011 | access-date=6 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219053426/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/behind-the-sband-spectrum-scandal/article1200374.ece | archive-date=19 February 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
There were lapses on implementing [[Government of India]] procedures. Antrix/ISRO had allocated the capacity of the above two satellites to Devas Multimedia on an exclusive basis, while rules said it should always be non-exclusive. The [[Cabinet of India|Cabinet]] was misinformed in November 2005 that several service providers were interested in using satellite capacity, while the Devas deal was already signed. Also, the Space Commission was kept in the dark while taking approval for the second satellite (its cost was diluted so that Cabinet approval was not needed). ISRO committed to spending {{INRConvert|7.66|b}} of public money on building, launching, and operating two satellites that were leased out for Devas.
 
In late 2009, some ISRO insiders exposed information about the Devas-Antrix deal,<ref name="Behind the S-band spectrum scandal"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom24x7.com/2015/03/20/2862/antrix-devas-news-lalit-shastri/#main|title=antrix-devas-news-lalit-shastri|publisher=Newsroom24x7|access-date=24 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519214523/http://newsroom24x7.com/2015/03/20/2862/antrix-devas-news-lalit-shastri/#main|archive-date=19 May 2015|url-status=live|date=20 March 2015}}</ref> and the ensuing investigations resulted in the deal being annulled. [[G. Madhavan Nair]] (ISRO Chairperson when the agreement was signed) was barred from holding any post under the Department of Space. Some former scientists were found guilty of "acts of commission" or "acts of omission". Devas and Deutsche Telekom demanded US$2&nbsp;billion and US$1&nbsp;billion, respectively, in damages.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Antrix-Devas-and-the-second-generation-scam/2013/08/22/article1745659.ece | title=Antrix Devas and the second generation scam | work=The New Indian Express | date=22 August 2013 | access-date=6 February 2015 | author=Jethmalani, Ram | location=New Delhi | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206055725/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Antrix-Devas-and-the-second-generation-scam/2013/08/22/article1745659.ece | archive-date=6 February 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref> Government of India's Department of Revenue and [[Ministry of Corporate Affairs]] initiated an inquiry into Devas shareholding.
 
The [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] concluded investigations into the Antrix-Devas scam and registered a case against the accused in the Antrix-Devas deal under Section 120-B, besides Section 420 of IPC and Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 on 18 March 2015 against the then Executive Director of [[Antrix Corporation]], two officials of USA-based company, Bangalore based private multimedia company, and other unknown officials of Antrix Corporation or Department of Space.<ref>{{cite news|title=CBI registers case in the huge Antrix-Devas scam|url=http://newsroom24x7.com/2015/03/18/cbi-registers-case-in-the-huge-antrix-devas-scam/|access-date=16 May 2015|publisher=Newsroom24x7.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518104746/http://newsroom24x7.com/2015/03/18/cbi-registers-case-in-the-huge-antrix-devas-scam/|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom24x7.com/2015/03/20/antrix-devas-agreement-national-security-and-cbi/|title=Antrix-Devas Agreement, national security, and CBI|publisher=Newsroom24x7|access-date=24 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503054604/https://newsroom24x7.com/2015/03/20/antrix-devas-agreement-national-security-and-cbi/|archive-date=3 May 2016|url-status=live|date=20 March 2015}}</ref>
 
Devas Multimedia started arbitration proceedings against Antrix in June 2011. In September 2015, the International Court of Arbitration of the [[International Chamber of Commerce]] ruled in favour of Devas, and directed Antrix to pay US$672&nbsp;million (Rs 44.35&nbsp;billion) in damages to Devas.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/isros-antrix-to-pay-rs-4432-crore-damages-to-devas-for-unlawfully-cancelling-contract/articleshow/49158235.cms | title=ISRO's Antrix to pay Rs 44.32&nbsp;billion damages to Devas for unlawfully cancelling contract | date=30 September 2015 | work=The Economic Times | access-date=15 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105072143/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/isros-antrix-to-pay-rs-4432-crore-damages-to-devas-for-unlawfully-cancelling-contract/articleshow/49158235.cms | archive-date=5 November 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref> Antrix opposed the Devas plea for tribunal award in the [[Delhi High Court]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/antrix-opposes-devas-plea-over-tribunal-award-in-hc/|title=Antrix opposes Devas plea over tribunal award in HC|last=Mathur|first=Aneesha|date=10 October 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=23 January 2018|location=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222153015/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/antrix-opposes-devas-plea-over-tribunal-award-in-hc/|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>{{update inline|date=December 2018}}
 
== See also ==
{{Portal|Spaceflight|India}}
* [[Science and technology in India]]
* [[Space industry of India]]
* [[Comparison of Asian national space programs]]
* [[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology]]
* [[List of government space agencies]]
* [[List of ISRO missions]]
* [[New Space India Limited]]
* [[Deep Ocean mission]]
* [[Swami Vivekananda Planetarium]]
* [[Telecommunications in India]]
* [[Timeline of Solar System exploration]]
 
== Notes and references ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}
 
=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}
 
== Bibliography ==
{{refbegin|40em}}'''Bold text'''
* {{Cite journal|last1=Bhaskarnarayana|first1=A.|last2=Bhatia|first2=B.S.|last3=Bandyopadhyay|first3=K.|last4=Jain|first4=P.K.|year=2007|title=Applications of space communication|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24102068|journal=[[Current Science]]|volume=93|issue=12|pages=1737–1746|location=Bangalore|publisher=[[Indian Academy of Sciences]]|jstor=24102068}}
* {{Cite book|last=Burleson|first=D.|year=2005|title="India", ''Space Programmes Outside the United States: All Exploration and Research Efforts, Country by Country''|pages=136–146|location=United States of America|isbn=0-7864-1852-4}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Daniel|first=R.R.|year=1992|title=Space Science in India|journal=Indian Journal of History of Science|volume=27|issue=4|location=New Delhi|pages=485–499|publisher=[[Indian National Science Academy]]}}
* {{Cite journal|last1=Gupta|first1=S.C.|last2=Suresh|first2=B.N.|last3=Sivan|first3=K.|year=2007|title=Evolution of Indian launch vehicle technologies|url=http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Downloads/article_id_093_12_1697_1714_0.pdf|pages=1697–1714|journal=[[Current Science]]|volume=93|issue=12|location=Bangalore|publisher=[[Indian Academy of Sciences]]}}
* {{Cite book|last=Ojha|first=N.N.|year=|title="India in Space ", Science & Technology|publisher=Chronicle Books|pages=110–143|isbn=|location=New Delhi}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Mistry|first1=Dinshaw|last2=Wolpert|first2=Stanley|year=2006|title="Space Programme", Encyclopedia of India|volume=4|pages=93–95|isbn=0-684-31353-7|publisher=[[Gale (publisher)|Thomson Gale]]}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Narasimha|first=Roddam|year=2002|title=Satish Dhawan|url=https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Downloads/article_id_082_02_0222_0225_0.pdf|journal=[[Current Science]]|volume=82|issue=2|pages=222–225|location=Bangalore|publisher=[[Indian Academy of Sciences]]}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Sen|first=Nirupa|year=2003|title=Indian success stories in use of Space tools for social development|url=|journal=[[Current Science]]|volume=84|issue=4|pages=489–90|location=Bangalore|publisher=[[Indian Academy of Sciences]]}}
 
* {{Cite book|last1=Suri|first=R.K.|last2=Rajaram|first2=Kalpana|year=|title="Space Research", Science and Technology in India|pages=411–448|isbn=81-7930-294-6|location=New Delhi|publisher=Spectrum}}
* {{citation|last=Aliberti|first=Marco|title=India in Space: Between Utility and Geopolitics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NYtHDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|year=2018|publisher=Springer|bibcode=2018isbu.book.....A|isbn=978-3-319-71652-7}}
* {{citation|last=D. Launius|first=Roger|title=The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration: From the Ancient World to the Extraterrestrial Future|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4j9wDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA196|year=2018|publisher=Smithsonian Institution|isbn=978-1-58834-637-7}}
* {{citation|last1=Narayanan|first1=Nambi|last2=Ram|first2=Arun|title=Ready To Fire: How India and I Survived the ISRO Spy Case|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ks1SDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT59|date= 2018|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-93-86826-27-5}}
* {{cite book|last1=Harvey|first1=Brian|last2=Smid|first2=Henk H. F.|last3=Pirard|first3=Theo|title=Emerging Space Powers: The New Space Programs of Asia, the Middle East and South-America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XD1ZaYbiWwMC&pg=PA144|year= 2011|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4419-0874-2|pages=144–}}
* {{cite book|last1=Bhargava|first1=Pushpa M.|last2=Chakrabarti|first2=Chandana|title=The Saga of Indian Science Since Independence: In a Nutshell|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g7crHmSeI5kC&pg=PA39|year=2003|publisher=Universities Press|isbn=978-81-7371-435-1|pages=39–|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513184438/https://books.google.com/books?id=g7crHmSeI5kC&pg=PA39|archive-date=13 May 2016|url-status=live}}
* {{cite book|last=Sadeh|first=Eligar|year=2013|title=Space Strategy in the 21st Century: Theory and Policy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u4nXqDvgGrIC&pg=PA303|date=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-22623-6|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306161252/https://books.google.com/books?id=u4nXqDvgGrIC&pg=PA303|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live}}
* {{cite book|last1=Rajagopalan|last2=Prasad|first1=Rajeshwari Pillai|first2=Narayan|title=Space India 2.0: Commerce, Policy, Security and Governance Perspectives|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iwtNDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA72|year=2017|publisher=[[Observer Research Foundation]]|isbn=978-81-86818-28-2}}
{{refend}}
 
==Further reading==
 
* ''The Economics of India's Space Programme'', by U. Sankar, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2007, {{ISBN|978-0-19-568345-5}}
* ''The Indian Space Programme'', by Gurbir Singh, Astrotalkuk Publications, {{ISBN|978-0956933737}}
* ''Reach For the Stars: The Evolution of India's Rocket Programme'', by Gopal Raj, {{ISBN|978-0670899500}}
* ''From Fishing Hamlet to Red Planet: India's Space Journey'', by ISRO, {{ISBN|978-9351776895}}
* ''Brief History of Rocketry in ISRO'', by P V Manoranjan Rao and P Radhakrishnan, {{ISBN|978-8173717642}}
* ''India's Rise as a Space Power'', by U R Rao, {{ISBN|978-9382993483}}
 
== External links ==
* {{Commonscatinline}}
* {{official|http://www.isro.gov.in }}
* {{cite web |url = http://www.dos.gov.in |title = Official website of the Department of Space of the Government of India |publisher=dos.gov.in}}
 
{{-}}
{{Indian space programme}}
{{Indian spacecraft}}
{{ISRO facilities}}
{{Public sector space agencies}}
{{Gandhi Peace Prize laureates}}
 
{{Authority control}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Indian Space Research Organisation}}
[[Category:Indian Space Research Organisation| ]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1969]]
[[Category:Rocket engine manufacturers of India]]
[[Category:Government agencies of India]]
[[Category:Space programme of India| ]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Mysore State]]
[[Category:Space agencies]]
[[Category:Space agencies]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Gandhi Peace Prize]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Bangalore]]
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