2. INTRODUCTION TO ISRO
• ISRO was established to harness space technology for national development in
1969.
• The main hub of ISRO’s operations and innovations are located in Bengaluru,
India.
• ISRO continuously develops cutting-edge technology to enhance space
exploration.
• ISRO plays a vital role in launching satellites that benefit various sectors.
• ISRO’s efforts significantly advance India’s technological and scientific
capabilities.
3. VISION AND MISSION
• Harness space technology for national development, while pursing space science
research and planetary exploration.
• Design and development of launch vehicles and related technologies for providing
access to space.
• Design and development of satellites and related technologies for earth
observation, communication, navigation, meteorology and space science.
• Space based applications for societal development.
• Research and Development in space science and planetary exploration
• Indian National Satellite programme for meeting telecommunication, television
broadcasting and developmental applications.
4. Achievements of ISRO
1. Chandrayaan-1 launched in 2008 discovered water molecules on the lunar surface;
Chandrayaan-2 advanced lunar exploration technology despite partial success in 2019
2. Launched in 2013, made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the
world in its maiden attempt.
3. Aiming to send Indian astronauts to space, representing ISRO’s foray into human spaceflight,
with an expected launch in the near future.
5. MARKET SHARE
India’s share in the commercial space market is around 2%. However, India’s
space economy is expected to grow, with the aim of increasing the country’s
share in the global space economy to 10% over the next decade
Some recent updates on the Indian space sector-
- Technology transfer
- Collaboration
- Space economy growth
6. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) generates revenue
through these products and services.
• Satellite Launches-
Domestic Launches
International Launches
• Satellite Data and Services-
Remote Sensing Data
Communication Services
• Spacecraft Development-
Custom-Built Satellites
Launch Vehicles
• Technology Transfer-
Licensing and Partnerships
Joint Ventures
• Government Funding
7. SCOPE OF IMPROVEMENT
1. ISRO is developing new technologies, such as a vehicle-integrated
scramjet engine called as the Hypersonic Air Breathing Vehicle with
Airframe integrated system (HAVA). ISRO is also working on the Next
Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to reduce launch costs and increase
payload capacity.
2. ISRO focuses on research and development, expanding human
understanding of space, and making space technologies available to
other industries.
3. The government has announced reforms to encourage more
participation from private industries and academia in the space sector.
4. ISRO is working to ensure that space activities are sustainable and
responsible. This includes developing technologies for active debris
removal and on-orbit servicing.
8. STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE ISRO’s MISSION
1. ISRO aims to encourage private sector participation in the space sector. This includes allowing
consumers to directly purchase space technology and services from any source.
2. ISRO can create programs to identify and nurture young talent, such as an “ Aerospace Innovators”
program. ISRO can also implement a ‘Space Sabbatical Program” that allows scientists to work in private
companies or foreign space agencies.
3. ISRO can use space to drive technology development and derive benefits in allied areas.
4. ISRO can create a stable and predictable regulatory framework to provide a level playing field for non-
government entities in the space sector.
5. ISRO can develop exchange programs with leading global space agencies and companies to transfer
knowledge and develop skills.
9. Major Failures and Setbacks ISRO faced
ISRO has faced several setbacks and failures throughout its history, but it has always learned from
these experiences and emerged stronger. Here are some of the major setbacks faced by ISRO:
•Satellite Launch Failures: ISRO has experienced several failed satellite launches over the years,
including the PSLV-C11 mission in 2009 and the GSLV-F05 mission in 2010. These failures were
setbacks, but they also provided valuable lessons and insights for future missions.
•Chandrayaan-2 Mission Failure: The Chandrayaan-2 mission, launched in 2019, aimed to land a
rover on the Moon. However, the lander lost communication during its descent and crashed on the
lunar surface. This was a significant setback for ISRO, but it did not deter the organization from
pursuing its lunar exploration goals.
•Technological Challenges: ISRO has faced various technological challenges in developing and
launching its spacecraft and satellites.