From Aryabhata (1975) to PSLV’s 104-satellite launch (2017), ISRO has achieved global recognition in cost-effective space tech.
Mangalyaan reached Mars on its first attempt; Chandrayaan-3 became the first to land near the Moon’s south pole.
NAVIC navigation, GSLV with indigenous cryogenics, and advanced Earth observation boost India’s self-reliance in space.
On Friday, August 15, 2025, India will mark its 79th Independence Day. The day forever transformed the destiny of more than 300 million people in 1947. From a democracy born out of centuries of foreign domination, India today stands as the world’s largest democracy. India’s Independence Day also falls on the same date that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was officially established in 1969 under the visionary guidance of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, also known as the father of India’s space program. His dream was to use space technology for the nation’s development and scientific advancement.
SurveyOver the past 56 years, ISRO has grown into a global space powerhouse. From launching its first satellite, Aryabhata, in the 1970s to becoming the first Asian nation to reach Mars on its maiden attempt, ISRO has evolved into one of the world’s most respected space agencies. Here’s a look at how India’s space journey unfolded. Here are ISRO’s most remarkable achievements in over five decades.
Aryabhata and SLV-3 (1975)
India’s space journey truly began on April 19, 1975, with the launch of Aryabhata, its first satellite. Weighing 360 kilograms and launched from the Soviet Union’s Kapustin Yar, Aryabhata was designed for scientific experiments in X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and aeronomy. Technical issues cut its mission short, but the lessons learned in satellite design and operation became invaluable.
Five years later, on July 18, 1980, ISRO achieved another historic milestone: the successful launch of the Rohini satellite using the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), India’s first indigenously developed launch vehicle. This achievement proved that India could not only build satellites but also launch them on its own.
SLV-3 (1980)
Just five years later, India celebrated another milestone- the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3). On July 18, 1980, it successfully placed the Rohini satellite into orbit, marking India’s first indigenous satellite launch.
This mission transformed ISRO from a fledgling program dependent on foreign help into a self-reliant launch vehicle developer. It laid the foundation for advanced rockets that would carry heavier payloads, send spacecraft to the Moon and Mars, and launch hundreds of satellites for global clients.
Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) Series (1983)
First launched in 1983, the INSAT series transformed India’s telecommunications landscape. Today, with nine operational communication satellites in geostationary orbit, the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system ranks among the largest domestic communication satellite networks in the Asia-Pacific region. Equipped with over 200 transponders, INSAT supports a wide range of services from television broadcasting and satellite news gathering to tele-education, telemedicine, weather forecasting, disaster warnings, and even Search and Rescue operations.
RISAT-1 (2012)
The launch of RISAT-1 on April 26, 2012, introduced India’s first radar imaging satellite, capable of capturing high-resolution images even through clouds, darkness, and heavy rain.
Operating in the C-band, RISAT-1 became crucial for agricultural monitoring, forestry management, soil moisture assessment, and disaster response, especially during floods and cyclones. Its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) gave India a surveillance capability vital for both civilian and strategic purposes.
Mangalyaan (2013)
Perhaps ISRO’s most celebrated achievement came on November 5, 2013, with the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). On September 24, 2014, it made India the first country to reach Mars on its maiden attempt, an accomplishment even NASA hailed as extraordinary.
Costing just $74 million, less than many Hollywood space films, Mangalyaan carried instruments to study Mars’ surface, atmosphere, and mineral composition. It revealed insights about Martian dust storms and the planet’s climate while showcasing India’s ability to conduct complex interplanetary missions on a modest budget.
GSLV and GSAT Missions
ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) program, starting in 2001, allowed India to launch heavier payloads into geostationary orbit. Milestones included GSLV-D5 (2014), which used India’s first fully indigenous cryogenic engine, and GSLV Mk III-D1 (2017), which launched GSAT-19, India’s heaviest satellite at the time.
The GSAT series of communication satellites strengthened India’s digital infrastructure. GSAT-6A (2018) aimed to improve mobile connectivity in remote areas with its unique unfurlable antenna, though contact was lost after launch. GSAT-7 (2013), built for the Indian Navy, enhanced maritime communications across the Indian Ocean, improving naval coordination and security.
PSLV-C37 (2017)
ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is renowned for reliability, but on February 15, 2017, it made global headlines by launching 104 satellites in one mission, a world record.
The primary payload, Cartosat-2D, was joined by 103 smaller satellites from countries including the US, UAE, and Kazakhstan. This mission cemented ISRO’s status as a leading player in the commercial satellite launch market, offering precision and affordability.
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NAVIC (2018)
In 2018, India completed NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), a homegrown navigation system covering India and 1,500 km beyond its borders. With seven satellites in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits, NAVIC provides accurate positioning for defence, disaster management, and navigation in remote areas.
Unlike GPS, which is controlled by the US, NAVIC gives India strategic autonomy in location-based services, crucial for security and sovereignty.
Chandrayaan Missions
Chandrayaan-1 (2008), India’s first lunar mission, made the groundbreaking discovery of water molecules on the Moon, overturning decades of assumptions.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019) aimed for a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole. While its lander crashed, the orbiter continues to provide valuable data.
Chandrayaan-3 (2023) achieved a successful landing near the lunar south pole on August 23, 2023, making India the first country to do so. This region holds scientific significance due to its permanently shadowed craters, which may store frozen water.
Aditya-L1 (2023)
Launched on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated mission to study the Sun. Positioned at the Lagrange point 1, it observes the solar corona, chromosphere, and solar wind, helping scientists predict space weather events that can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
