Modest start to big strides: space programme turns 60

Modest start to big strides: space programme turns 60

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Space technology

Context:

More about the news:

• Sixty years ago, on November 21, 1963, India marked its entry into space exploration with the launch of a 715-kg Nike Apache rocket from Thumba, Kerala.
• This event set the stage for significant milestones, including the launch of India’s first truly indigenous rocket in 1969 and the placement of the Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980, making India one of the select countries capable of launching satellites using its own vehicles.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed through international collaboration, with contributions from the U.S., France, and the Soviet Union.
• Over the years, ISRO’s progress led to the development of various launch vehicles, such as Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicles (ASLVs), Polar Satellite Vehicles (PSLVs), and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLVs), enabling diverse applications like remote sensing, weather forecasting, and deep-space science missions. 
• Recent successes, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission, highlight India’s assured access to space and its growing influence in global space exploration.
• The Sriharikota launch site has been pivotal, witnessing numerous successful launches and contributing to India’s space achievements.

What is the Origin and History of ISRO:

• India’s space research activities began in the early 1960s when satellite applications were still in the experimental stages even in the United States.
• Establishment of INCOSPAR: Recognising the need for space research, it was established in 1962 under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) at the suggestion of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
• It was instrumental in building the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) 
• The first sounding rocket (Nike-Apache) procured from the USA was launched from TERLS on November 21, 1963.
• Establishment of ISRO: ISRO was established on August 15, 1969, with headquarters in Bengaluru, to replace INCOSPAR with a broader mandate to harness space technology.

What are some key Centers of ISRO: