Article for Kalinga Plus

Title: India’s Ascent to the Stars: A Look at the Indian Space Program

Introduction

The Indian Space Program, often referred to as ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 1960s. Over the decades, it has transformed from a nascent organization to a global space powerhouse, with a remarkable track record of achievements. This article explores the key milestones, objectives, and contributions of the Indian Space Program.

Historical Context

India’s foray into space exploration began in 1962 with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which later evolved into ISRO. The program’s early focus was on utilizing space technology for peaceful purposes, such as communication, weather forecasting, and resource management.

Milestones Achieved

1. Aryabhata: India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975, marking a significant milestone. Since then, ISRO has launched numerous satellites for various purposes, including communication, Earth observation, and navigation.
2. Satellite Launch Capabilities: ISRO developed its launch vehicle program with the successful launch of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1980. Subsequently, they developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which have gained international recognition for their reliability and cost-effectiveness.
3. Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan: ISRO’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1 (2008), discovered water molecules on the moon’s surface. Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) in 2013 made India the fourth country globally to reach Mars orbit and the first to do so on its maiden attempt.
4. Navigation with NavIC: India launched the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) in 2018, becoming one of the few countries to possess its own regional navigation system, rivalling the Global Positioning System (GPS).
5. Space Science and Exploration: ISRO has actively contributed to space science and exploration. Missions like Astrosat (2015) have enhanced our understanding of celestial objects, while the forthcoming Aditya-L1 mission aims to study the Sun.

Contributions
to Society

1.   
Remote Sensing: ISRO’s Earth
observation satellites provide valuable data for agriculture, disaster
management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. This information aids
in sustainable development and disaster response.

2.   
Communication: The INSAT series of
satellites have revolutionized communication in India, connecting remote
regions and enabling television broadcasting, telemedicine, and internet
access.

3.   
Space Diplomacy: ISRO has engaged in
space diplomacy by launching satellites for multiple countries, earning India
goodwill and international recognition.

4.   
Affordable Space
Access:
One of ISRO’s defining achievements is its cost-effective approach to space
missions, attracting commercial satellite launches from across the globe.

Future
Endeavors

ISRO continues to reach for the
stars with ambitious missions on its horizon. These include:

1.   
Gaganyaan: India’s human
spaceflight mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space, making India the
fourth nation to achieve human spaceflight capabilities.

2.   
Chandrayaan-3: A follow-up to
Chandrayaan-2, this mission intends to further explore the moon’s South Polar
Region.

3.    Aditya-L1: India’s mission to study the Sun’s outermost layer, the corona,
and its impact on Earth’s climate.The suits of Aditya
L1 payloads are expected to provide most crucial informations to understand the
problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities
and their characteristics, dynamics of space weather, propagation of particle
and fields etc.

Figure

–2 GaganyaanFigure – 3Chandrayaan-3

Conclusion

The Indian Space Program, ISRO,
has undoubtedly carved its niche in the global space community. Its remarkable
achievements, cost-effective approach, and contributions to society have
established India as a formidable player in space exploration. As it continues
to push the boundaries of space technology, ISRO’s future endeavors hold the
promise of further advancements and discoveries for the benefit of humanity.

Article
By

Anita
Verma

Assistant
Professor,

Department
of Physics,

Kalinga
University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India