**ISRO** (Indian Space Research Organisation)

India's national space agency responsible for space research, development, and operations. It
operates under the Department of Space, overseen by the Prime Minister, and plays a significant
role in space exploration, international collaboration, and technology development. ISRO is one
of the few agencies worldwide with full launch capabilities, including cryogenic engines,
extraterrestrial missions, and a large fleet of artificial satellites. It has soft landing capabilities as
well.

Formed in 1969 as INCOSPAR and later incorporated into the Department of Space in 1972,
ISRO has been integral to India's space endeavors. It launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, in
1975 and has since developed numerous launch vehicles, satellite systems, and deep space
missions. ISRO operates the world's largest constellation of remote-sensing satellites and
navigation systems.

ISRO's contributions extend to various sectors, including disaster management, telemedicine,

navigation, and reconnaissance missions. Its technology innovations have also benefited India's
engineering and medical industries.

**Historical Background:**

Space research in India began in the 1920s, with notable contributions from scientists like S.K.
Mitra, C.V. Raman, and Meghnad Saha. The establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy
in 1950 provided funding for space research. Vikram Sarabhai and Homi Bhabha played crucial
roles in advancing space science.

In 1962, INCOSPAR was formed under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's guidance. It later
evolved into ISRO, and in 1972, the Department of Space was created to oversee space
technology development in India.

**1970s and 1980s:**

ISRO developed its Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) and launched its first satellite in 1980. This
marked India as the seventh country to reach Earth's orbit. ISRO continued to advance its rocket
technology, launching a series of satellites and developing launch vehicles.

**1990s:**

The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) became a major success, launching various satellites
into orbit. Efforts to develop cryogenic technology led to the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite
Launch Vehicle).

**21st Century:**

India expanded its space programs, launching Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and the Mars Orbiter
Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, making it the first Asian country to enter Martian orbit. The
cryogenic upper stage for GSLV became operational, and a new launcher, LVM3, was
introduced for heavier payloads and future human missions.

In 2023, ISRO achieved its first soft landing on an extraterrestrial body with Chandrayaan-3,
making India the fourth space agency to land on the Moon.

ISRO's contributions to lunar and planetary exploration, along with its cost-effective Mars
mission, have gained international recognition.

**Notable Projects:**

- **Chandrayaan Program:** India's lunar exploration missions, including Chandrayaan-1,

Chandrayaan-2 (with a lunar orbiter, lander, and rover), and Chandrayaan-3.

- **Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan):** India's successful mission to Mars, entering Martian
orbit on its first attempt and at a low cost.

ISRO's achievements are notable, and its cost-effective approach has made space exploration
more accessible for India.