27 Interesting Facts about ISRO

Dan December 15, 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stands as India’s premier space agency, renowned globally for its pioneering efforts in space exploration, satellite technology, and space research. Established in 1969, ISRO has made significant strides in advancing India’s space capabilities, fostering technological innovations, and expanding the frontiers of space science.

At its core, ISRO aims to harness space technology for peaceful purposes, contributing to the nation’s socioeconomic development, communication, and scientific research. The agency operates a gamut of missions encompassing satellite launches, interplanetary exploration, and satellite-based applications for diverse sectors.

One of ISRO’s milestone achievements includes the successful launch of Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission, which contributed immensely to the understanding of the moon’s surface and its mineral composition. Additionally, Mangalyaan, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, marked ISRO’s successful entry into interplanetary space exploration, positioning India as the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit in its maiden attempt.

ISRO’s cost-effective approach and indigenous technology development have been pivotal in democratizing space access, enabling satellite launches for various purposes, including remote sensing, weather forecasting, communication, and navigation. The agency’s launch vehicles, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), have garnered international recognition for their reliability and affordability.

Moreover, ISRO has played a vital role in empowering India’s rural and remote areas through satellite-based services, including telemedicine, tele-education, and rural communication, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth across the nation. The agency’s relentless pursuit of excellence in space science and technology continues to propel India’s presence in the global space arena, inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers and positioning ISRO as a beacon of space exploration and innovation.

Do you want to know more about ISRO? Let’s take a look at these 27 interesting facts about ISRO.

1. Formation: ISRO was founded on August 15, 1969, by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, often hailed as the father of the Indian space program.
2. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): ISRO’s Mangalyaan, launched in 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission and the least expensive Mars mission to date.
3. Chandrayaan Missions: Chandrayaan-1 was India’s maiden lunar mission, while Chandrayaan-2 aimed to land a rover on the moon’s surface.
4. Record-Breaking Satellite Launch: In February 2017, ISRO created history by launching 104 satellites on a single mission, setting a world record.
5. PSLV’s Success Rate: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has an impressive success rate, with nearly 40 successful launches in a row.
6. Reusable Launch Vehicle: ISRO is working on developing a reusable launch vehicle to reduce the cost of satellite launches.
7. Milestone with GSLV: ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, showcasing its enhanced capability.
8. Spaceport: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in Sriharikota, serves as ISRO’s primary spaceport for satellite launches.
9. Remote Sensing: ISRO’s remote sensing satellites provide crucial data for agriculture, weather forecasting, disaster management, and resource monitoring.
10. GPS Augmentation: ISRO’s IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) aids in accurate positioning and navigation across India and neighboring regions.
11. GSAT Series: The GSAT series comprises communication satellites facilitating telecommunication, broadcasting, and internet services across India.
12. AstroSat: India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, AstroSat, studies celestial objects in different wavelengths.
13. Manned Space Mission: ISRO is preparing for its first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, aiming to send Indian astronauts to space.
14. World’s Lightest Satellite: In 2017, ISRO launched the world’s smallest and lightest satellite, weighing only 1.26 kilograms, built by Indian students.
15. Space Diplomacy: ISRO engages in space diplomacy, collaborating with international space agencies and launching satellites for other countries.
16. Societal Applications: ISRO’s satellite technology supports societal applications like telemedicine, e-governance, and education in remote areas.
17. Award Recognitions: ISRO has received numerous awards, including the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Von Kármán Award.
18. Student Initiatives: ISRO promotes student satellite projects, encouraging young minds to innovate and contribute to space research.
19. Transponders for Broadcasting: ISRO’s satellites offer transponder capacity for broadcasting, expanding TV and radio services across India.
20. Solar Power from Space: ISRO is researching space-based solar power systems for sustainable energy solutions.
21. Disaster Management Support: ISRO’s satellites aid in disaster management, providing real-time information during natural calamities.
22. Deep Space Network: ISRO operates a network of ground stations for communication with deep space missions.
23. Cartosat Series: The Cartosat series of satellites facilitate high-resolution cartographic and land information.
24. Mini Satellite Launch Vehicle (MSLV): ISRO is developing the MSLV for launching small satellites into orbit.
25. Payloads and Experiments: ISRO’s missions often carry scientific payloads and experiments exploring various aspects of space.
26. Women Leadership: Several key positions within ISRO, including mission directors, have been held by women scientists and engineers.
27. Educational Outreach: ISRO conducts educational programs and workshops to inspire and educate students about space science and technology.

ISRO stands as a beacon of India’s remarkable advancements in space technology and exploration, embodying a legacy of innovation, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. With a mission to harness space for peaceful purposes and societal development, ISRO has carved a niche in the global space arena through its cost-effective and pioneering initiatives. From launching satellites for communication and remote sensing to exploring the frontiers of the cosmos with interplanetary missions, ISRO has etched its name in space history. Its commitment to scientific excellence, technological prowess, and inclusive progress reflects India’s aspiration for space exploration and its vision for a brighter, interconnected future. As ISRO continues to reach for the stars, it inspires not just the nation but the world, showcasing the power of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery.