2. Introduction
The Indian Space Research Organisation is the primary body for space research under
the control of Government of India and one of the big six advanced space research
organization that dominate space, others being NASA (U.S), RKA (Russia), CNSA
(China), ESA (Europe) and JAXA (Japan). It was established in its modern form in 1969
as a result of coordinated efforts initiated earlier. Activities for the exploration of space
within and outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Headquartered in Bangalore (Bengaluru).
ISRO’s chief executive is a chairman, who is also chairman of the Indian government’s
Space Commission and the secretary of the Department of Space.
ISRO’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1975. Rohini, the
first satellite to be placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle (the Satellite
Launch Vehicle 3) was launched in 1980. ISRO subsequently developed two other
rockets: the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle for putting satellites into polar orbit and the
Geostationary Space Launch Vehicle for placing satellites into geostationary orbit. These
rockets have launched communications satellites, Earth-observation satellites, and, in
2008, Chandrayaan-1, India’s first mission to the Moon. ISRO plans to put two
astronauts into orbit in 2015.
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4. Over the years, ISRO has conducted a variety of operations for both Indian and
foreign clients. ISRO's satellite launch capability is mostly provided by indigenous
launch vehicles and launch sites. In 2008, ISRO successfully launched its first
lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, while future plans include indigenous development of
GSLV, manned space missions, further lunar exploration, and interplanetary
probes. ISRO has several field installations as assets, and cooperates with the
international community as a part of several bilateral and multilateral agreement
5. Goals and objectives
The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application
to various national tasks. The Indian space program was driven by the vision
of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of Indian Space Programme As
stated by him:
There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing
nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of
competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the
moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we
are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we
must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the
real problems of man and society.
As also pointed out by Dr APJ Kalam:
Many individuals with myopic vision questioned the relevance of space
activities in a newly independent nation, which was finding it difficult to feed
its population. Their vision was clear if Indians were to play meaningful role in
the community of nations, they must be second to none in the application of
advanced technologies to their real-life problems. They had no intention of
using it as a means of displaying our might.
6. Launch vehicle fleet
Comparison of Indian carrier rockets. Left to right: SLV, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV,
GSLV III.
Geopolitical and economic considerations during the 1960s and 1970s
compelled India to initiate its own launch vehicle program. During the first
phase (1960s-1970s) the country successfully developed a sounding rockets
program, and by the 1980s, research had yielded the Satellite Launch Vehicle3 and the more advanced Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV),
complete with operational supporting infrastructure.ISRO further applied its
energies to the advancement of launch vehicle technology resulting in the
creation of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) technologies.
Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)
The Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation SLV or SLV-3
was a 4-stage solid-fuel light launcher. It was intended to reach a height of
500 km and carry a payload of 40 kg. Its first launch took place in 1979 with 2
more in each subsequent year, and the final launch in 1983. Only two of its
four test flights were successful
7. Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV)
The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation ASLV was
a 5-stage solid propellant rocket with the capability of placing a 150 kg satellite into
LEO. This project was started by the ISRO during the early 1980s to develop
technologies needed for a payload to be placed into a geostationary orbit. Its design was
based on Satellite Launch Vehicle.The first launch test was held in 1987, and after that 3
others followed in 1988, 1992 and 1994, out of which only 2 were successful, before it was
decommissioned
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation PSLV, is an
expendable launch system developed to allow India to launch its Indian Remote Sensing
(IRS) satellites into sun synchronous orbits, a service that was, until the advent of the
PSLV, commercially viable only from Russia. PSLV can also launch small satellites into
geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The reliability and versatility of the PSLV is proven
by the fact that it has launched 30 spacecraft (14 Indian and 16 from other countries)
into a variety of orbits so far. In April 2008, it successfully launched 10 satellites at once,
breaking a world record held by Russia.
On July 15th, 2011 the PSLV flew its 18th consecutive successful mission orbiting
satellites. Its only failure in 19 flights was its maiden voyage in September 1993,
providing the rocket with a 94 percent success rate.
8.
9. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its
abbreviation GSLV, is an expendable launch system developed to enable India
to launch its INSAT-type satellites into geostationary orbit and to make India
less dependent on foreign rockets. At present, it is ISRO's heaviest satellite
launch vehicle and is capable of putting a total payload of up to 5 tons to Low
Earth Orbit. The vehicle is built by India with the cryogenic engine purchased
from Russia while the ISRO develops its own engine program.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV III)
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III is a launch vehicle
currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organization. It is
intended to launch heavy satellites into geostationary orbit, and will allow
India to become less dependent on foreign rockets for heavy lifting. The
rocket, though the technological successor to the GSLV, however is not
derived from its predecessor. The maiden flight is scheduled to take place in
2012.
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11. Development of crew vehicle
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards a maiden
manned Indian space mission vehicle that can carry three astronauts for seven
days in a near earth orbit. The Indian manned spacecraft temporarily named
as Orbital Vehicle intend to be the basis of indigenous Indian human
spaceflight program.
The capsule will be designed to carry three people, and a planned upgraded
version will be equipped with a rendezvous and docking capability. In its
maiden manned mission, ISRO's largely autonomous 3-ton capsule will orbit
the Earth at 248 miles (400 km) in altitude for up to seven days with a twoperson crew on board. The crew vehicle would launch atop of ISRO's GSLV
Mk II, currently under development. The GSLV Mk II features an indigenously
developed cryogenic upper-stage engine.The first test of the cryogenic engine,
held on 15 April 2010, failed as the cryogenic phase did not perform as
expected and rocket deviated from the planned trajectory. A future launch has
been scheduled for 2011. If successful then ISRO will become the sixth entity,
after United States, Russia, China, Japan and Europe, to develop this
technology.
