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What is Isro?
Isro (Indian Space Research Organisation) is a national space agency of the country and one of the leading space exploration organisations in the world. Earlier, it was known as the INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) and was established by the government of India in 1962.
Isro specialises in science, space exploration, engineering and aerospace technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for the country.
Isro specialises in science, space exploration, engineering and aerospace technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for the country.
Bengaluru-headquartered Isro operates as an integral constituent of the Department of Space (DOS) which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India, while the Chairman of Isro acts as the executive of DOS as well.
The space organisation was brought under the DOS in 1972.
Isro also collaborates with other space agencies to develop advanced space technologies and increase its capabilities in space exploration.
Isro's activities are spread across various centres and units. Its launch vehicles are built at VikramSarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, satellites are designed and developed at U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, integration and launch of satellites and vehicles are carried out from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
Aims and achievements
Isro was established on August 15, 1969 with the objective of using space technology for the development of the country and conducting interplanetary research. Since then, it has achieved a number of remarkable milestones and established India as a major player in the field of space exploration.
The main aim of Isro is the development and application of space technology for the benefit of the nation and has established satellite systems for communication, navigation, earth observation, remote sensing, television broadcasting, meteorology, resources monitoring and management and space-based navigation services.
Isro has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the orbits.
The space agency has launched more than 110 satellites, including the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) for providing communication and broadcasting services, the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for earth observation, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching a range of satellites, and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching heavy payloads into geosynchronous orbits.
Isro has also developed a number of technologies and capabilities, including cryogenic engines and launch vehicles, satellite navigation systems, interplanetary missions, and space-based astronomical observations. In addition, it has conducted successful Mars and Moon missions, making it one of the few countries to do so.