The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) through its important missions has made India one of the leading space research organizations in the world. ISRO's missions not only reflect India's scientific and technological capabilities, but have also demonstrated self-reliance and innovation in space technology. ISRO, through its important missions, has made significant contributions in areas such as satellite launches, lunar and Mars missions, communications and meteorology. In this article, we will discuss the major and important missions of ISRO.
What is ISRO?
ISRO, whose full name is “Indian Space Research Organization”, is the premier space research organization of India. Its headquarters is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. ISRO was established in 1969, and has been leading India's space program since then.
ISRO has played an important role in making India self-reliant in space research and technology. This organization has not only developed space technology but has also given India a prestigious place in the international space research community. Through ISRO's research and technology development, India has made significant progress in the field of space science and technology.
Key Features of ISRO
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is a prestigious organization that leads India's space programme. Its key features make it a leading space research organization at the international level. Here is a list of key features of ISRO:
- Self-reliance in space technologyISRO has made India self-reliant in space technology through its research and development. It carries out all the processes from satellite manufacturing to launch indigenously.
- successful satellite launch programISRO has a variety of rockets for satellite launches, such as PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), and the recently developed LVM-3. ISRO has conducted many successful satellite launches, making it internationally renowned.
- economical and efficiencyISRO is known for its cost-effective and efficient space missions. Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) is a prime example of this, which was successfully launched at relatively low cost.
- international cooperation: ISRO has collaborated with international space agencies and provided satellite launch services for other countries. This organization cooperates with various countries in research and technology.
- Miscellaneous Research and MissionsISRO's research and missions span many areas, such as exploration of the Moon and Mars, communications satellites, meteorology, remote sensing, and other scientific research.
- National and social benefitsISRO's missions have brought many benefits to Indian society, such as communications, weather forecasting, disaster management, agriculture, and education. This organization contributes to national progress through technological development.
- ambitious future goalsISRO's future goals for space research and human space missions are highly ambitious. The organization is preparing for India's first manned space mission through missions like Gaganyaan.
ISRO launch vehicles
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) has a variety of launch vehicles, which are used to send different types of satellites and missions into space. Here is the list of major launch vehicles of ISRO:
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)PSLV is ISRO's most reliable and successful launch vehicle. It is used to send various types of satellites into polar orbit.
- GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): GSLV is a large launch vehicle, which is used to send satellites into geosynchronous orbit.
- GSLV Mk III (LVM-3): It is the largest and most powerful launch vehicle of ISRO. It is used for heavy satellites and space missions. GSLV Mk III was also used to launch Chandrayaan-2, and has also been selected as the human space launch for the Gaganyaan mission.
- SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle): This was ISRO's first launch vehicle, which was used to send small satellites into low Earth orbit.
- ASLV (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle)ASLV was a small launch vehicle, whose purpose was to send small satellites into low Earth orbit.
ISRO's research facilities
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has research facilities and centers located in different parts of India. These facilities provide essential resources and infrastructure for ISRO's various missions, research projects, and technological developments. Here is the list of major research facilities and centers of ISRO:
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC): It is the major research facility of ISRO located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Launch vehicle and rocket technology is developed here.
- ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC): It is located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu and here rocket engines and propulsion systems are tested.
- Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC): It is located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This is the main launch center of ISRO, from where rockets are launched.
- ISRO Satellite Center (ISAC): It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka and designs and manufactures satellites. ISAC is ISRO's premier satellite research and development centre.
- Communications Satellite Center (Space Applications Center – SAC): It is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Communication satellites, remote sensing, and satellite technology are developed here.
- National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC): It is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. Here the data received from remote sensing satellites is analyzed and processed.
- Other research facilities: ISRO has other research facilities, such as the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC), the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), and the Space Physics Laboratory. – SPL) are also there.
ISRO manufacturing facilities
The manufacturing facilities of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) are responsible for manufacturing and testing a variety of spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and other related equipment. Here is the list of major manufacturing facilities of ISRO:
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC): It is a major manufacturing facility of ISRO located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where launch vehicles, rocket engines, and other major components are manufactured and tested.
- ISRO Satellite Center (ISAC): It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka and designs, manufactures, and tests satellites. ISAC is ISRO's premier satellite research and development centre.
- Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC): LPSC is located in Bengaluru, Mahendragiri (Tamil Nadu), and Thiruvananthapuram. The center is responsible for manufacturing and testing ISRO's liquid and cryogenic rocket engines.
- ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC)IPRC is located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu and manufactures and tests rocket engines and propulsion systems.
- Indian Space Research Center (ISRC): It is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and manufactures and tests communication satellites and other related equipment.
- Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC): It is located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh and is the major launch center of ISRO. From here the processes of manufacturing and launching launch vehicles take place.
- Space Physics Laboratory (SPL): It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and develops and manufactures space science and related equipment.
List of important space missions of India (till 2024)
India has completed several important space missions by 2024, including satellite launches, lunar missions, Mars missions, and other research missions. Here is a list of India's major space missions:
List of important space missions of India | ||
Year | name of mission | mission type |
---|---|---|
1975 | Aryabhata | satellite |
1980 | Rohini Satellite Series (RS-1) | satellite |
1983 | INSAT-1B | communication satellite |
1987 | SROSS Series (SROSS-1) | satellite |
1993 | IRS-1E | earth observation |
1999 | INSAT-2E | communication satellite |
2001 | GSAT-1 | communication satellite |
2005 | Cartosat-1 | earth observation |
2008 | Chandrayaan-1 | Lunar exploration |
2013 | Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) | mars exploration |
2014 | IRNSS-1C | navigation |
2015 | Astrosat | space observatory |
2016 | GSAT-18 | communication satellite |
2017 | Cartosat-2 series satellite | earth observation |
2018 | GSAT-29 | communication satellite |
2019 | Chandrayaan-2 | lunar exploration |
2020 | GSAT-30 | communication satellite |
2021 | PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 | satellite launch |
2022 | GSAT-24 | communication satellite |
2023 | LVM3-M3/One Web India-1 | satellite launch |
2023 | Aditya-L1 | solar exploration |
2023 | Chandrayaan-3 | Lunar exploration |
2024 | X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) | satellite launch |
List of upcoming space missions by ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has an ambitious series of upcoming space missions, demonstrating its commitment to advancing space exploration and technology. Here is a table of upcoming space missions by ISRO.
List of upcoming space missions of India | ||
Year | name of mission | mission type |
---|---|---|
2024 | Gaganyaan 1 | human spacecraft |
2024 | NISAR | earth observation |
Mid-2025 | Gaganyaan 2 | human spacecraft |
2025 | Venus Orbiter Mission (Venus) | Planetary Exploration |
2026 | Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (Mangalyaan 2) | Planetary Exploration |
2026 | Lunar Polar Exploration Mission | Lunar exploration |
2026 | Gaganyaan 3 | human spacecraft |
2028 | Chandrayaan-4 | Lunar exploration |
2028–2035 | indian space station | human spacecraft |
TBD | Astrosat-2 | astronomy and astrophysics |
Importance of ISRO
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is of utmost importance to India, as the organization not only leads the country's space research and technology but also contributes to many important areas. The importance of ISRO can be seen in the following points:
- Self-reliance in space researchISRO has made India self-reliant in the field of space research and technology. This organization is independent to manufacture and launch its own satellites and launch vehicles, due to which India does not have to depend on other countries.
- Technology Development and InnovationISRO has developed a variety of space technologies, such as satellite launches, communication satellites, remote sensing, and space exploration. This organization has led India to a leading position in space research through innovation.
- social and economic benefits: ISRO's missions have brought many benefits to India's society and economy. Communication satellites, weather satellites, and remote sensing satellites have made significant contributions to fields such as communications, agriculture, disaster management, and weather forecasting.
- international cooperationISRO has collaborated with other countries and provided satellite launch services internationally. This has enhanced India's international prestige and provided opportunities for international cooperation.
- religion and cultureISRO's space missions, such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, have also reflected India's religious and cultural values. These missions have showcased India's scientific achievements as well as its cultural heritage.
- ambitious future missions: ISRO's future missions, such as Gaganyaan, which will be India's first manned space mission, reflect the country's space exploration ambitions.
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