What were the primary motivations behind the establishment of ISRO, how did its role evolve from a focus on basic space research to becoming a key driver of technological advancement and national development, and what were the major challenges and successes encountered during its formative years?
bhumit chaudhryBegginer
Founded in 1969, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was initially conceived as a prime mover in exploiting outer space technology to foster national advancement. The dream of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was not simply to explore space, but to exploit the results of space science and technology in dealing with some of India’s social and economic problems such as communication, meteorology and resource surveys.
At the outset, ISRO emphasized creating local satellite technology and launch vehicles. In 1975 Aryabhata was sent into orbit, followed by SLV-3 in 1980 – India’s premier satellite delivering system. These victories helped shape ISRO into major participant within the international space arena.
As ISRO went on, its spectrum of responsibilities grew from the study of outer space alone towards driving science and technology progress and fostering national development. The resultant transformation in telecommunications and broadcasting occurred from the introduction of the INSAT satellites whereas resource sensing and management became easier courtesy of IRS satellites. In the 1990s, the build of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV witnessed an enormous jump that allowed ISRO to administer various satellites hence positioning it as an attractive supplier of the service of putting objects into orbit by launching them into space.
Early on, ISRO encountered various structural and operational limitations including limited financial resources, technological constraints, as well as the requirement of building a specialized workforce. That notwithstanding, the organization has managed to register significant milestones through partnerships with some agencies, thorough training sessions and a step-by-step project evolution effort. Major accomplishments constituted the thriving Mars Orbiter Mission called Mangalyaan in 2013 and Chandrayaan missions that flaunted India’s up-and-coming skills in space research and the global endorsement for its low cost, high value innovations given to ISRO.