Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Author: Tianjiang Says

Source: Feng Songjiang et al. (2021), "Analysis of the Development and Strategic Priorities of India's Space Power" (in Chinese)

Site: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India's core agency responsible for space science, technology, and applied research, operating under the Department of Space. ISRO was established in 1969, succeeding the National Space Committee, and focuses on the research and development of launch vehicles, satellites, and ground facilities. ISRO is the centerpiece of India's space industry and is responsible for executing India's various space missions, including satellite launches, deep space exploration, and lunar and Mars missions.

Core Functions

Launch Vehicle Development

ISRO has led the development of multiple launch vehicle families:

  • SLV-3: India's first indigenous launch vehicle, which successfully placed a satellite into orbit in 1980, making India the seventh country in the world to independently launch a satellite
  • ASLV: Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle, with three times the payload capacity of the SLV-3
  • PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, capable of placing approximately 3,500 kg of payload into a near-Earth orbit at approximately 400 km altitude
  • GSLV: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, capable of placing approximately 2,500 kg of payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

Satellite Systems

ISRO is responsible for the development and launch of India's various satellite programs:

  • INSAT (Indian National Satellite): The second generation was launched in 1992, providing communications, meteorological, and other services, now in its fifth generation
  • IRS Series: Resource satellites, ocean satellites, and cartographic satellites forming a large remote sensing satellite constellation
  • Navigation Satellites: The IRNSS series, providing navigation and positioning services for India and surrounding regions

Deep Space Exploration

ISRO has carried out several deep space exploration missions:

  • Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India's first lunar probe, making India the fifth country to explore the Moon
  • Mangalyaan (2013): Mars orbiter, making India the fourth entity to explore Mars

Organizational Structure

ISRO is overseen by the Space Commission and the Department of Space, with the heads of all three bodies concurrently held by a single individual. In 2019, ISRO established the Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management and the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre, responsible for activities such as active debris removal.

Connection to Cislunar Space

ISRO's influence in the cislunar space domain is reflected in the regional navigation capability provided by its IRNSS navigation satellite system and the cislunar transfer orbit technical experience accumulated through its deep space exploration missions. India's lunar exploration program provides an important reference for cislunar mission design.

References

  • Feng Songjiang, Chang Zhuang, Wang Qian. Analysis of the Development and Strategic Priorities of India's Space Power. 2021. (in Chinese)
  • ISRO Official Publications.