Explore the pivotal moments of ISRO's journey, culminating in the triumphant launch of SLV-3, which marked India's entry into the exclusive club of spacefaring nations.
The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established under the Department of Atomic Energy, with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai as its chairman. This marked the official beginning of India's space program.
INCOSPAR was superseded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), formally bringing India's space activities under a dedicated agency. Dr. Sarabhai became ISRO's first chairman, envisioning a self-reliant space program.
India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, from the Soviet Union. This scientific satellite was a significant milestone, proving India's capability in satellite design and fabrication, but highlighted the need for an indigenous launch capability.
The first experimental flight of the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), carrying the Rohini Technology Payload (RTP), suffered a failure due to a control system malfunction in the second stage. A crucial learning experience for ISRO.
On July 18, 1980, SLV-3 successfully launched the Rohini satellite (RS-1) into Earth's orbit from Sriharikota. This historic achievement made India the seventh nation to develop orbital launch capabilities, marking a true indigenous leap.
The last operational launch of SLV-3 successfully placed the Rohini satellite (RS-D2) into orbit. This mission further validated India's launch vehicle technology and paved the way for more advanced rockets.
Building on the SLV-3's legacy, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) had its first successful launch, carrying IRS-P2. PSLV became ISRO's workhorse, capable of launching heavier satellites into polar and geosynchronous transfer orbits.
ISRO launched Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar probe, which successfully orbited the Moon and made significant discoveries, including evidence of water molecules on the lunar surface. A testament to ISRO's advanced capabilities.