The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India’s national space agency, headquartered in Bengaluru. It functions as the primary research and development arm of the Department of Space (DoS), which reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.
ISRO was established on August 15, 1969, superseding the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was set up in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. In 1972, the Government of India constituted the Space Commission and the Department of Space, bringing ISRO under its administrative umbrella to institutionalize space exploration for national development.
Key operational features include the design and launch of satellites and launch vehicles. Its primary fleet includes the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). Notable missions include Chandrayaan-3 (lunar exploration), Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), and the upcoming Gaganyaan (human spaceflight).
For the UPSC exam, ISRO is a critical component of GS Paper III (Science and Technology), specifically under "Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology." It also intersects with GS Paper I (Geography) regarding remote sensing and GS Paper II concerning international space treaties.
Related institutions and frameworks include NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) (commercial arm), Antrix Corporation, and IN-SPACe (the regulatory body for private sector participation). The Indian Space Policy 2023 currently governs the strategic shift toward privatizing routine space activities while refocusing ISRO on advanced research and deep-space exploration.