Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO UPSC Notes: History, Objectives & More

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India. It was established in 1969 with the primary objective of harnessing space technology. It aims to conduct space-related activities for the socio-economic development of the country. ISRO is responsible for the design, development, and launch of satellites, as well as the exploration of outer space. It plays a vital role in various domains, including communication, meteorology, remote sensing, navigation, and scientific research. The primary goal of ISRO/DOS is to advance and utilize space technology to meet diverse national requirements. Additionally, ISRO has created satellite launch vehicles, namely PSLV and GSLV, to effectively deploy satellites into their designated orbits.

This is an important part of the UPSC science and technology syllabus. This will be extremely beneficial in the upcoming UPSC preliminary and Mains examinations.

In this article on ISRO UPSC, we shall discuss in detail about overview, background, goals and objectives of ISRO and other relevant topics for UPSC IAS exam.

About ISRO

ISRO is a space agency under the Department of Space of the Government of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is currently one of the world’s six largest space agencies. Its mission is to use space technology to advance national development while conducting space science research and planetary exploration. Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) is ISRO’s marketing arm. ISRO maintains one of the largest fleets of remote sensing (IRS) and communication (INSAT) satellites in the world.

Background of ISRO

During the 1960s, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of the Indian space programme, launched space research efforts in India. Since its start, the Indian space programme has included three major components: communication and remote sensing satellites, the space transportation system, and application programmes.

The INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) was founded by Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Ramanathan. The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) was carried out in 1975-76. It was dubbed “the world’s largest sociological experiment.” It was followed by the ‘Kheda Communications Project (KCP),’ which served as a field laboratory for need-based and location-specific programme transmission in Gujarat.

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Goals and Objectives of ISRO

ISRO was set up with the vision to harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration. The organization has set multiple goals and objectives:

• Satellite Communication: Develop and deploy satellites to enhance telecommunications, broadcasting, and navigation.
• Earth Observation: Implement satellites for resource monitoring, environmental management, and disaster management support.
• Satellite Launch Vehicles (SLVs): Design and develop cost-effective and reliable launch vehicles to deliver satellites into various orbits.
• Space Exploration: Conduct scientific missions to explore the moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies.
• Development of Indigenous Technology: Foster self-reliance by developing advanced space technologies indigenously.
• International Cooperation: Collaborate with other space-faring nations and international organizations for mutual benefits and knowledge sharing.

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Organizational Structure of ISRO

ISRO operates under the Department of Space, which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India. The organizational structure ensures efficient coordination among its various centers and units:

• Chairman: The head of ISRO, responsible for overall strategy, planning, and execution.
• Headquarters: Located in Bengaluru, it coordinates all space activities and administrative functions.
• Satellite Centres: Key centers include the Indian Space Research Organisation Satellite Centre (ISAC) which designs, develops, and tests satellites.
• Launch Vehicle Centres: The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) focus on developing launch vehicles and propulsion systems.
• Space Application Centres: The Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad focuses on payload development and applications of space technology.
• Launch Sites: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR serves as the primary launch site.
• Earth Observation: The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) processes and manages satellite imagery and data.

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Achievements of ISRO India

ISRO has made numerous significant achievements since its inception, making strides in space technology and exploration. The following are some of the major ISRO achievements:

• The first Indian spacecraft, ‘Aryabhata,’ was developed and launched with the help of a Soviet launcher. Another significant milestone was the creation of the first launch vehicle, the SLV-3, which could place 40 kg in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and made its first successful flight in 1980.
• During the experimental phase in the 1980s, the Bhaskara-I and II missions were pioneering advances in remote sensing, while the ‘Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE)’ became the predecessor for future communication satellite systems.
• During the operational phase in the 1990s, important space infrastructure was built in two categories: one for communication, broadcasting, and meteorology via a multi-purpose Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), and the other for Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS).
• During this phase, important milestones included the development and operationalization of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

Earth Observation Satellites

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Exploration Satellites

The Indian space programme encompasses research in areas like astronomy, astrophysics, planetary and earth sciences, atmospheric sciences and theoretical physics. Satellites that come under this category are:

Source: Economic Diplomacy Division

AstroSat

• PSLV-C30 launched from Sriharikota on September 28, 2015. It is India’s first dedicated astronomy mission, with the goal of researching celestial sources in the X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands at the same time.
• The AstroSat mission is unique in that it allows for simultaneous multi-wavelength studies of multiple celestial objects using a single satellite.

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Mars Exploration

Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)

• It is also known as (Mangalyaan), the ISRO’s true maiden interplanetary mission, which was launched on November 5, 2013, and successfully inserted into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014, on its first attempt.
• MOM completed four years in orbit on September 24, 2018, despite the fact that its mission life was only six months.
• It was launched on a PSLV C25 rocket with the goal of investigating the Martian surface and mineral composition as well as scanning the Martian atmosphere for methane (an indicator of life on Mars).
• MOM is credited with numerous accomplishments, including cost-effectiveness, a short time of realization, an economical weight budget, the shrinking of five heterogeneous science payloads, and so forth. Mars Colour Camera also captured Phobos and Deimos, two of Mars’ moons, from close range (MCC).

Lunar Exploration

Chandrayaan-1 

• It is India’s first voyage to the moon, consisting of an unmanned spacecraft and 11 scientific payloads manufactured in India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Bulgaria, and Sweden.
• An orbiter and an impactor were part of the mission. The spacecraft, which was launched by ISRO aboard PSLV-C11 on October 22, 2008, was planned to investigate the Moon while orbiting it at a height of 100 kilometers above the lunar surface.
• It had been in operation for far less than the expected two years but had achieved more than 90 percent of its goals.

Chandrayaan-2

• India’s second Moon mission is a completely homegrown mission consisting of an Orbiter, Lander, and Rover.
• The GSLV-F10 is scheduled to launch Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. The Lander, which houses the Rover, will detach from the Orbiter once it reaches 100 km lunar orbit.
• Following a controlled descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a predetermined location and deploy a Rover.
• The payloads will gather scientific data on lunar terrain, mineralogy, elemental abundance, the lunar exosphere, and hydroxyl and water-ice signals.

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Future Missions of ISRO India

ISRO has a robust roadmap for future missions, aiming to enhance human spaceflight capabilities and deepen space exploration:

• Gaganyaan: Set to be India's first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit for 5-7 days by 2024. The mission involves developing a crew module, environmental control systems, and life support systems.
• ISRO Chandrayaan-3: Following Chandrayaan-2, this mission focuses solely on achieving a soft landing on the lunar surface. It includes a lander and rover but no orbiter, as the existing orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 will be used.
• ISRO Aditya-L1 Mission: Designed to study the solar corona, Aditya-L1 will be positioned at the Lagrange point 1 (L1). It will provide continuous observations of the sun. It will aid in the study of solar emissions, magnetic storms, and their impact on space weather.
• Shukrayaan-1: This mission aims to explore Venus, focusing on its surface, atmospheric composition, and complex climate processes. It seeks to enhance our understanding of the planet’s geological and atmospheric dynamics.
• NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar): Scheduled for launch in 2024, this mission is a cooperative effort between NASA and ISRO. It monitors Earth's ecosystem changes, ice-mass dynamics, and natural disasters. It uses advanced radar technology to provide detailed, all-weather observations.
• XPoSat (2023): The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) will study cosmic sources in extreme environments. This mission aims to observe X-ray polarization from astronomical sources. It contributes valuable data to high-energy astrophysics.
• Mangalyaan-2: This second mission to Mars aims to conduct more detailed exploration and study of the Martian surface and atmosphere. It will build on the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
• Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX): A joint mission with Japan to explore the lunar south pole. This mission focuses on studying the distribution of water and conducting long-term scientific research in a polar environment.

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Major Challenges of ISRO

Here are some of the major challenges of ISRO:

• Staying at the forefront of technological advancements is a constant challenge for ISRO. The field of space research and exploration is rapidly evolving. ISRO needs to continuously innovate and develop cutting-edge technologies to remain competitive globally.
• Adequate funding is crucial for the success of space missions. ISRO operates within a limited budget. Securing sufficient financial resources to fund ambitious projects can be a challenge.
• Developing and retaining a skilled workforce is essential for ISRO's success. Recruiting and training scientists, engineers, and technicians with the required expertise in space technology is a challenge.
• Collaborating with other space agencies and organizations is vital for sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise. However, navigating international collaborations, negotiating agreements, and coordinating efforts can be complex.
• Space missions involve inherent risks, including launch failures, technical glitches, and unpredictable space environments. ISRO must meticulously plan and execute its missions to minimize risks and ensure mission success. 

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants Pioneering Space Agency: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stands out as a pioneering space agency. It is known for achieving remarkable feats in space exploration, often with limited budgets and high cost-effectiveness. Its accomplishments have firmly positioned India as a significant player in the global space sector. Historic Firsts: ISRO has marked several historic achievements. This includes launching the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata (1975), and developing its early series of Earth observation satellites under the Rohini Satellite Series. These initial successes laid the foundation for subsequent advancements. GSLV and PSLV Programs: The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) programs are pivotal to ISRO's capabilities. The PSLV is especially noted for its reliability, launching 104 satellites in a single mission in 2017. The GSLV Mk III is crucial for putting heavier payloads into space, including future manned missions. Solar and Lunar Explorations: Missions like Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Chandrayaan-2 (2019) have made significant contributions to lunar science. This includes the groundbreaking discovery of water molecules on the moon. The upcoming ISRO Chandrayaan 3 aims to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, reinforcing India's advancements in lunar exploration. Interplanetary Milestones: Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Mangalyaan (2013) demonstrated India’s interplanetary mission capabilities. Mangalyaan successfully entered Mars' orbit on the first attempt. It provided valuable data on Martian atmospheric and surface conditions. This mission highlighted ISRO’s ingenuity and efficiency. Earth Observation and Disaster Management: The INSAT series and Cartosat series have revolutionized telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and disaster management in India. These satellites provide essential services and data for infrastructure planning, agricultural monitoring, and emergency response. Navigation System Development: The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system provides accurate position information services similar to GPS. It covers India and surrounding areas up to 1,500 km beyond the subcontinent. NavIC enhances navigation capabilities for various applications including terrestrial, aerial, and marine navigation. Future Ambitions and Collaborations: Upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan, ISRO’s first manned space mission, and collaborative projects like NISAR (with NASA) and the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission (with JAXA) underscore ISRO's ambitious vision to expand human presence in space. They enhance inter-agency cooperation and deepen space science and exploration efforts.

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