India's space program has developed indigenous launch vehicles and satellites since its first satellite launch in 1975, positioning the nation as a significant player in space technology. The program focuses on self-reliant space applications for telecommunications, remote sensing, and meteorology, supported by extensive research and training facilities. As opportunities grow in this evolving field, qualified scientists and engineers can pursue careers in various roles within the program.

1. WANT TO BE A PART OF THE SPACE AGE?
Indian Space Program
India has and is continuing to develop a broad-based space program with indigenous
launch vehicles, satellites, control facilities, and data processing. Since its �rst satellite was
orbited by the USSR in 1975 and its �rst domestic space launch was conducted in 1980,
India has become a true space-faring nation. Today's Indian remote sensing,
communications, and meteorological satellites are comparable to many similar space
systems operated by more a�uent countries, and by the end of the decade India may be
one of only a half dozen countries/organizations with a geo-stationary launch capability.
The Indian Space Program is directed towards the goal of self-reliant use of space science and technology for national development, its main
thrusts being:
1. satellite telecommunications, TV and radio broadcasting
2. satellite remote sensing for resource survey and management, environmental monitoring and meteorological services, and
3. development and operationalisation of indigenous satellites and launch vehicles for providing these services.
The Indian Space Program may be divided in two major categories. One is the Satellite Program and the other is the Launcher Program.
The Satellite Program involves putting the satellites in the space and managing the same. The satellites may be lifted by Indian-made launchers
or it may involve the commercial launch vehicles. The Satellites are also of two di�erent categories; communication satellites and remote sensing
satellites.
The Launcher Program involves designing, fabrication and launching of launch vehicles. India has also developed a series of launch vehicles, after
a long research and development through the painstaking ways of successes and failures.
The Space Commission and the Department of Space (DOS) were established by the Government of India in 1972 to promote development and
application of space science and technology for identi�ed national socio-economic objectives.
Training Facilities:
Active research in various areas of Space Science is being pursued at several
universities, research institutions and organisations. Some of the prominent institutes
are:
• Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009
•Space Physics Laboratory, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, –
695 022
• Space Application Centre, ISRO, Ahmedabad – 380 015
• ISRO Satellite Centre, Airport Road, Vimanapura, Bangalore – 560 017
• National Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere Radar Facility, Post Box –123,
Gadanki (near Tirupati), Chittoor Dist., Andhra Pradesh – 517 502
Qualifications:
The quali�cations vary from M. Sc to BE/B. Tech/ME or Ph D [depending upon the responsibilities of the posts] in the �elds of Aeronautical
Engineering, Atmospheric services, Chemical Engineering, Computer Technology, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electronics,
Power Systems, Remote Sensing and Telecommunication Engineering.
Employment Opportunities:
Scientists or engineers may become project managers/ division heads/ project directors/ deputy directors/ directors of various centers / units in

2. due course.
The progress made during the last two decades indicates an increasing trend in employment opportunities for technical personnel particularly in
computer technology, electronics and remote sensing.
Complexity of technology, relative newness of the �eld and other relevant factors have thrown up a big challenge to scientists, engineers and
technicians. So if you believe that you will be able to face up to this challenge, you can contemplate a career with the Indian Space Program.