ISRO’s Space Programme: A Timeline from the 1960s to 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made remarkable progress since its inception, evolving from a modest beginning to a globally recogni

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has transformed India into a formidable force in space exploration, marked by remarkable achievements and technological innovations. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s with the launch of sounding rockets, ISRO has progressed to complex interplanetary missions and ambitious plans for the future. 

This timeline chronicles the significant milestones of ISRO’s journey, highlighting key missions such as Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, the groundbreaking Mars Orbiter Mission, and the recent success of Chandrayaan-3. 

Overview of ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is India’s national space agency, renowned for its cost-effective and innovative approach to space technology and exploration. Since its inception, ISRO has played a pivotal role in advancing space science, satellite communication, Earth observation, and interplanetary missions, positioning India as a significant player in the global space sector.

Founding and Mission

• Founded: 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
• Parent Organisation: Department of Space, Government of India.
• Mission: To harness space technology for national development, while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.

Key Objectives

• Develop and launch satellites for communication, navigation, and Earth observation.
• Create launch vehicles to deploy satellites into various orbits.
• Conduct planetary and deep space missions to explore other celestial bodies.
• Innovate in space technologies to benefit sectors like agriculture, disaster management, weather forecasting, and telecommunications.

Major Achievements

1. Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite, marking the country’s entry into space.
2. INSAT Series: A series of multipurpose geostationary satellites supporting telecommunications, broadcasting, and meteorology.
3. Rohini Satellite: The first satellite launched by an Indian-made launch vehicle (SLV-3) in 1980.
4. PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): Renowned for its reliability, used for launching satellites into polar orbits. Known for setting a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission (2017).
5. GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Developed to place heavier payloads into geostationary orbits, featuring the indigenous cryogenic upper stage.
6. Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India’s first lunar mission, which discovered water molecules on the Moon’s surface.
7. Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission, 2013): Made India the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt, and the fourth space agency to reach Mars overall.
8. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Aimed at the lunar south pole, the orbiter continues to provide valuable data despite the lander’s failure.
9. Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successfully landed on the Moon, making India the fourth nation to achieve a soft lunar landing.
10. GSAT Series: Advanced communication satellites enhancing India's telecommunication and broadcasting services.

Organisational Structure

• Chairman: The head of ISRO, appointed by the Government of India.
• Centers and Units: ISRO operates numerous centers across India, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), and more, each specializing in different aspects of space technology.

Global Collaborations

ISRO collaborates with international space agencies such as NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), Roscosmos (Russia), and JAXA (Japan), as well as private companies and academic institutions. These collaborations enhance research, share technologies, and foster international partnerships.

Significance and Impact

• Societal Benefits: ISRO’s satellite programs support weather forecasting, resource management, disaster response, and rural development.
• Economic Impact: Through launching commercial satellites and offering launch services to other countries, ISRO contributes significantly to the economy.
• Inspiration and Innovation: ISRO’s achievements inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers in India, promoting STEM education and innovation.

Vision

ISRO aims to make space accessible for humanity, use space technology for national development, and explore new frontiers in space to enhance our understanding of the universe.

With its commitment to cost-effective and innovative space solutions, ISRO continues to play a crucial role in global space exploration, striving to expand its capabilities and contribute to both national and international space endeavors. 

ISRO’s Space Programme: A Timeline from the 1960s to 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made remarkable progress since its inception, evolving from a modest beginning to a globally recognized space agency. Here's a detailed timeline of ISRO’s key milestones from the 1960s to 2024.

1960s: The Humble Beginnings

• 1962: The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, marking the beginning of India's space journey.
• 1963: India’s first sounding rocket was launched from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

1970s: Formation and Early Missions

• 1969: ISRO was formally established, superseding INCOSPAR, with a mission to harness space technology for national development.
• 1972: The Department of Space was set up and ISRO was brought under it.
• 1975: India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, using a Soviet launcher, marking the nation's entry into space.
• 1979: The first experimental launch of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) ended in failure.

1980s: First Successful Launches and Operational Satellites

• 1980: ISRO successfully launched Rohini-1, its first indigenously developed satellite, using SLV-3, making India the seventh nation to possess satellite launch capabilities.
• 1983: Introduction of the INSAT series, a multi-purpose geostationary satellite system for telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations.
• 1984: Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, flying aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11.

1990s: Expanding Capabilities and PSLV Success

• 1993: The first successful flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) placed the IRS-P2 satellite into orbit, establishing ISRO’s capabilities in launching remote sensing satellites.
• 1994: Development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) began to expand ISRO's reach to higher orbits.

2000s: International Collaborations and Moon Missions

• 2001: Successful launch of GSAT-1 on the maiden flight of the GSLV, showcasing ISRO’s ability to place heavier payloads into geostationary orbits.
• 2008: Launch of Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission, which discovered water molecules on the moon’s surface, significantly contributing to global lunar research.

2010s: Mars Mission and New Horizons

• 2013: The successful launch of Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) made India the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt, highlighting ISRO’s cost-effective approach to space exploration.
• 2014: The successful launch of GSLV Mk III, ISRO's most powerful rocket, capable of carrying heavier payloads into space.
• 2017: ISRO set a world record by launching 104 satellites on a single mission with PSLV-C37.
• 2019: Launch of Chandrayaan-2, aimed at exploring the lunar south pole, though the lander lost communication before touchdown, the orbiter continues to function.

2020s: Continued Innovation and Lunar Success

• 2020: ISRO launched GSAT-30 and RISAT-2BR1, demonstrating continued growth in satellite capabilities for communication and surveillance.
• 2021: Launch of Amazonia-1, the first Earth observation satellite entirely developed by Brazil, on PSLV-C51, emphasizing international collaboration.
• 2023: Launch of Chandrayaan-3, successfully landing on the moon, making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
• 2024 (Planned): Anticipated launch of the Gaganyaan mission, India's first manned space mission, aiming to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit, a significant leap in India’s human spaceflight capabilities.

Looking Ahead

ISRO continues to push the boundaries with future plans including the development of reusable launch vehicles, interplanetary missions, and enhanced satellite systems to further its vision of making space accessible and beneficial for all of humanity.

From humble beginnings in the 1960s, ISRO has emerged as a major player on the global stage, showcasing India's ingenuity, resilience, and commitment to advancing space technology for the betterment of society.

ISRO future plans?

ISRO has an ambitious roadmap for the future, focusing on expanding its capabilities in space exploration, satellite technology, and human spaceflight. Here are some of ISRO's key future plans:

1. Gaganyaan Mission (India's First Manned Space Mission)

• Objective: To send Indian astronauts (Vyomanauts) into low Earth orbit for a short duration.
• Timeline: Planned for 2024.
• Details: The mission aims to demonstrate India’s capability in human spaceflight, with a crew of three astronauts who will spend a few days in orbit. The mission includes rigorous safety protocols, crew training, and the development of life support and other critical systems.

2. Chandrayaan-4 (Lunar Mission)

• Objective: Potential collaboration with Japan for a new lunar mission focused on exploring the moon’s polar regions.
• Timeline: Expected after 2025.
• Details: Aimed at conducting detailed studies of the moon's surface, including polar ice deposits and geological composition, leveraging lessons from Chandrayaan-2 and 3.

3. Shukrayaan-1 (Venus Mission)

• Objective: To explore Venus' atmosphere, surface, and geological history.
• Timeline: Tentatively scheduled for 2026.
• Details: This mission will study Venus' dense atmosphere and cloud cover, focusing on its surface features and potential volcanic activity, contributing to a deeper understanding of Earth's sister planet.

4. Aditya-L1 (Solar Mission)

• Objective: To study the Sun, specifically the solar corona, chromosphere, and solar emissions.
• Timeline: Planned for 2024.
• Details: The mission involves placing a satellite in the Lagrangian point L1 between the Earth and the Sun, allowing uninterrupted observation of solar activities and their effects on space weather.

5. Mangalyaan-2 (Mars Mission)

• Objective: To further explore Mars with an orbiter, lander, and potentially a rover.
• Timeline: Targeted for the late 2020s.
• Details: Following the success of Mangalyaan-1, the second mission aims to delve deeper into Mars' atmosphere, surface, and mineralogy, advancing India’s Mars exploration capabilities.

6. Space Station

• Objective: To establish a small, modular space station to support human activities in low Earth orbit.
• Timeline: Planned for the 2030s.
• Details: This would involve developing the necessary technologies for extended human presence in space, such as docking systems, life support, and orbital maintenance.

7. Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)

• Objective: To develop a reusable launch system to reduce costs of access to space.
• Timeline: Ongoing development, with test flights continuing over the next few years.
• Details: The RLV-TD project aims to create a spacecraft that can be reused multiple times, significantly lowering the cost per launch, similar to the SpaceX Falcon 9 concept.

8. NISAR Mission (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)

• Objective: A collaborative mission with NASA to map Earth’s land and ice masses using dual-frequency radar.
• Timeline: Expected to launch in 2024.
• Details: The satellite will provide critical data on ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards like earthquakes, contributing to global environmental monitoring.

9. Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV)

• Objective: To develop more powerful and efficient launch vehicles to replace existing PSLV and GSLV series.
• Timeline: Research and development are ongoing, with prototypes expected in the late 2020s.
• Details: These new vehicles will be capable of carrying larger payloads and will incorporate reusable technology to enhance cost efficiency.

10. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• Objective: To provide on-demand launches for small satellites, catering to the growing small satellite market.
• Timeline: The SSLV is undergoing final tests, with more launches planned in the coming years.
• Details: Designed to offer quick turnaround times and reduce costs for launching small payloads, enhancing ISRO's market competitiveness.

11. Deep Space Missions

• Objective: To explore beyond Mars, including missions to asteroids and other planets in the solar system.
• Timeline: Planning and conceptualization stages, with expected missions in the 2030s.
• Details: These missions will aim to expand human understanding of the solar system, focusing on the origins and evolution of planetary bodies.

12. Satellite Navigation and Communication

• Objective: To enhance the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and expand satellite communication capabilities.
• Timeline: Continuous development with new satellite launches planned over the next decade.
• Details: Aimed at providing accurate navigation and robust communication services, including next-generation satellites for internet services.

ISRO’s future plans are set to enhance its capabilities in space technology, increase international collaboration, and establish India as a key player in the global space industry. These initiatives reflect ISRO's vision to explore space while using its technological advancements for societal benefits, promoting sustainable development, and inspiring future generations.