2020 · Paper V · 10 marksFrequently asked

Write a brief account of the history of ISRO. Name any three ISRO centers and their location. Add a note about the Mangalyaan or Chandrayaan missions of ISRO.

In short

ISRO, founded in 1969 under Vikram Sarabhai, grew from the Aryabhata satellite of 1975 to the PSLV and GSLV launchers, with key centres at VSSC Thiruvananthapuram, URSC Bengaluru and SDSC Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Chandrayaan-1 (2008) found water molecules on the Moon, and Mangalyaan reached Mars orbit in 2014.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Since its establishment in 1969, ISRO has evolved from a modest beginning into a global space power. Landmark missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan have showcased India’s growing capabilities in space exploration and satellite technology, enhancing the nation’s scientific stature and strategic autonomy.
Evolution and Centres
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Founding and Early Progress

ISRO was founded by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai with a vision to use space technology for national development. The launch of Aryabhata in 1975 marked India’s entry into space.

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Key Centres

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (Thiruvananthapuram) focuses on launch vehicle development; U R Rao Satellite Centre (Bengaluru) is responsible for satellite design and integration; Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh) serves as the primary launch site for ISRO’s missions.

Notable Missions
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Chandrayaan Missions

Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008 from Sriharikota, was India’s first lunar probe and discovered water molecules on the moon’s surface. Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, carried eight scientific instruments to study lunar mineralogy and evolution, advancing India’s lunar exploration.

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Mangalyaan

Launched in 2013, the Mars Orbiter Mission1 successfully entered Mars orbit in 2014. It demonstrated India’s ability to conduct cost-effective interplanetary missions, achieving this feat at a fraction of the cost of similar missions by other countries.

Way Forward
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Space Science Expansion

Increasing investment in planetary exploration and space science missions will help ISRO maintain its global competitiveness and technological edge.

Conclusion
ISRO’s history exemplifies India’s dedication to harnessing space technology for development and strategic autonomy. The successes of Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan have elevated India’s position in the global space community, ensuring continued leadership through innovation and collaboration.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: Milestones of ISRO. Milestones of ISRO. Diagram (timeline): Milestones of ISRO; 1969; ISRO founded under Sarabhai; 1975; Aryabhata launched; 2007; SRE-1 recovery experiment; 2008; Chandrayaan-1 lunar probe; 2013; Mangalyaan launched; 2014
Diagram: Milestones of ISRO

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Indian Space Programme, ISRO, Satellites and DRDO23 questions

Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
2
2011
2
2012
5
2016
4
2017
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2020
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2023
3
2025
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