Sentinel Digital Desk
India’s journey in space exploration is a remarkable story of perseverance and innovation. From launching its first satellite in 1975 to the ambitious Chandrayaan missions, India has emerged as a significant player in the global space arena.
The Birth of ISRO (1969)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, known as the father of the Indian space program. ISRO’s mission was to harness space technology for national development and to make India self-reliant in space capabilities.
India’s First Satellite – Aryabhata (1975)
On April 19, 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer. Though launched by the Soviet Union, Aryabhata marked India’s entry into space exploration and was used for scientific experiments.
The First Indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle – SLV-3 (1980)
In 1980, ISRO successfully launched the Rohini satellite using the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3). This was India’s first indigenous rocket, marking a significant milestone in the country's space program.
The PSLV Success – Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (1993)
The successful launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in 1993 positioned ISRO as a key player in the global space industry. PSLV became the workhorse for launching satellites into polar orbits and contributed significantly to India’s satellite launch capabilities.
Chandrayaan-1 – India’s First Mission to the Moon (2008)
In 2008, India launched Chandrayaan-1, its first mission to the Moon. This mission made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting water molecules on the lunar surface, a finding that revolutionized our understanding of the Moon.
Mangalyaan – The Mars Orbiter Mission (2013)
India’s Mangalyaan, launched in 2013, was a remarkable achievement as India became the first country to reach Mars on its maiden attempt. The mission demonstrated India’s ability to conduct low-cost space exploration and showcased ISRO’s technological prowess.
Chandrayaan-2 – Expanding Lunar Exploration (2019)
Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, aimed to further explore the Moon’s south pole. While the Vikram lander’s soft landing attempt was unsuccessful, the mission’s orbiter continues to study the lunar surface, contributing valuable data to lunar science.
Chandrayaan-3 – India's Successful Lunar Landing (2023)
Chandrayaan-3, launched in July 2023, was India's successful follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2. On August 23, 2023, the mission made history by achieving a soft landing near the lunar south pole. This marked India as the first country to land on the Moon's south pole and reinforced ISRO’s position in the global space community.
Gaganyaan – India’s First Human Spaceflight Mission (Upcoming)
Scheduled for launch in the near future, Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight mission. This ambitious project aims to send Indian astronauts, or Gagannauts, into space, making India one of the few nations to achieve this feat.