Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was set up by the Government of India in 1962. Indian Space Research Organisation, formed in 1969, superseded the erstwhile INCOSPAR. It has become one of the six largest space agencies in the world. ISRO maintains one of the largest fleet of communication satellites (INSAT) and remote sensing (IRS) satellites, that cater to the ever growing demand for fast and reliable communication and earth observation respectively. The objective and functions of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks.
Department of Space
Government of India constituted the Space Commission and established the Department of Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought ISRO under DOS in September 1972. Department of Space (DOS) has the primary responsibility of promoting development of space science, technology and applications towards achieving self reliance and assisting in all round development of the nation
ISRO Satellites
ISRO has established two major series of satellite systems, INSAT (Indian National Satellites) system for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services, and IRS (Indian Remote Sensing) system for natural resources monitoring and management. Satellites built by India are primarily designed to meet a national need first. Space activities in the country have concentrated on achieving self-reliance and developing capability to build and launch communication satellites for television broadcast, telecommunications and meteorological applications; and remote sensing satellites for management of natural resources.
Functions of ISRO
The main functions of ISRO are:
- Design, development and realisation and launching of Space Launch Vehicle Systems and Sounding Rockets.
- Design, development and realisation of communication satellites (carrying transponders) for meeting the National Demand towards telecommunications, television broadcasting, security requirements and societal applications.
- Design, development and realisation of satellites and/or space based systems for navigational applications
- Design, development and realisation of Earth Observation Satellites for mapping and monitoring of natural resources, Disastser Management Support and Meteorological services.
- Design, development and realisation of space systems for carrying out research related to space sciences and planetary exploration.
- Implementation of innovative space applications in the domains of natural resources management, disaster management support and several societal applications.
- Undertaking Research and Development activities towards advanced launch vehicles, spacecrafts and ground systems for space missions.
- Operation and maintenance of space assets and critical infrastructural facilities.
- Fostering international co-operation in peaceful uses of outer space including adherence to international charters and treaties.
- Development of Human Resources and capacity building to carry out the space Research Activities.
Headquarters of ISRO
The headquarters of ISRO is situated at Bengaluru.
Chairman of ISRO
The ISRO was founded by Vikram Sarabhai. Rocket specialist K Sivan has been appointed Chairman of India’s space agency ISRO for a three-year term.
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