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ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization)

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Introduction:

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the space agency of India, responsible for the country's space programme. ISRO was established in 1969 and is headquartered in Bengaluru. It is under the administrative control of the Department of Space (DoS) of the Government of India.

ISRO's mission is to develop and deploy space technology for national development, while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration. The agency has achieved significant success in its endeavors, launching a range of satellites for various purposes, including communication, navigation, remote sensing, and scientific research.

ISRO's Structure:

ISRO is structured into various centers and units, each with its own specific functions. These centers and units include:

  1. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): VSSC is responsible for the design and development of launch vehicles, as well as related technologies and infrastructure.
  2. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC): SDSC is the primary launch site for ISRO, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is responsible for launch operations, vehicle assembly, and integration.
  3. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC): LPSC is responsible for the development and production of liquid propulsion systems for ISRO's launch vehicles.
  4. Space Applications Centre (SAC): SAC is responsible for the development and deployment of space-based applications for national development, including remote sensing, meteorology, and satellite-based navigation.
  5. Indian Space Research Organisation Satellite Centre (ISAC): ISAC is responsible for the design, development, and assembly of communication, remote sensing, and scientific satellites.
  6. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC): NRSC is responsible for the acquisition, processing, and distribution of remote sensing data for various applications.
  7. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS): IIRS is an educational and research institution focused on remote sensing and GIS applications.
  8. Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU): DECU is responsible for the development and production of educational and public outreach material related to ISRO's activities.

ISRO's Achievements:

ISRO has achieved significant success in its mission to develop and deploy space technology for national development. Some of its notable achievements include:

  1. Launch of Aryabhata: ISRO's first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched on April 19, 1975, using a Soviet launch vehicle. The satellite was named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, Aryabhata.
  2. Development of SLV-3: ISRO's first indigenous launch vehicle, the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), was developed in the early 1980s. It successfully launched Rohini, India's first satellite in July 1980.
  3. Launch of PSLV: ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was developed in the 1990s and has become the agency's workhorse launch vehicle, with a success rate of over 95%. The PSLV has launched numerous satellites for India and other countries.
  4. Launch of Chandrayaan-1: ISRO's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, was launched in 2008. The mission successfully mapped the Moon's surface and discovered evidence of water molecules.
  5. Launch of Mars Orbiter Mission: ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), launched in 2013, was India's first interplanetary mission and the first successful mission to Mars by any Asian country. The mission discovered methane in the Martian atmosphere, indicating the possibility of life on the planet.
  6. Launch of GSAT-19: ISRO's GSAT-19 satellite, launched in 2017, demonstrated the agency's high throughput communication technology, providing high speed internet and improved digital connectivity across India.
  7. Launch of Cartosat-2 Series: The Cartosat-2 series of satellites, launched by ISRO, have provided high-resolution imaging data for various applications including mapping, urban planning, and disaster management.
  8. Launch of IRNSS: The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is a satellite-based navigation system developed by ISRO. It provides navigation services for India and the surrounding regions, reducing the country's dependence on foreign navigation systems.
  9. Launch of South Asia Satellite: The South Asia Satellite, also known as the GSAT-9, was launched by ISRO in 2017. It provides communication services to South Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

ISRO's Future Plans:

ISRO has several upcoming missions and projects in its pipeline, including:

  1. Gaganyaan: ISRO's Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts to space by 2022. The mission will make India the fourth country in the world to launch a human spaceflight mission.
  2. Chandrayaan-3: ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to land a rover on the Moon's surface by 2024. The mission will build on the success of the Chandrayaan-2 mission and further explore the Moon's surface and resources.
  3. Aditya-L1: The Aditya-L1 mission aims to study the Sun's corona and provide insights into its solar wind and magnetic field. The mission is set to launch in 2022.
  4. Shukrayaan-1: ISRO's Shukrayaan-1 mission aims to study the planet Venus and its atmosphere. The mission is set to launch in 2024.

Conclusion:

ISRO has come a long way since its inception in 1969 and has achieved significant success in its mission to develop and deploy space technology for national development. The agency has not only contributed to India's development but also to global space exploration and research. With several upcoming missions and projects, ISRO is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and success in the field of space technology.