ISRO to launch 6,500 kg US-made communication satellite

ISRO's journey from receiving a small U.S. rocket in 1963 to becoming a global space leader reflects India's remarkable progress in space technology. Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted key milestones, including the Chandrayaan missions, the record-setting launch of 104 satellites in 2017, and the recent NISAR mission with NASA. ISRO plans to triple its satellite count, launch the Gaganyaan mission, and build a space station by 2035. With its contributions to national welfare and ambitious goals, ISRO continues inspiring global admiration.

India’s space program, once a modest endeavor reliant on foreign assistance, is now a global powerhouse poised to launch cutting-edge missions that rival the world’s most advanced space agencies. Highlighting this remarkable transformation, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Chairman V. Narayanan recently reflected on the nation’s extraordinary progress at the 21st Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology near Chennai.

A Journey Rooted in Collaboration

In his speech, Narayanan recalled ISRO’s humble beginnings in 1963, when India received its first tiny rocket from the United States. This gesture marked the dawn of the Indian space program and laid the groundwork for decades of innovation. Fast forward to today, and ISRO is preparing to launch a 6,500-kg communication satellite built by the U.S. on an Indian launcher—a testament to the agency's evolution from a dependent program to a leader in space technology.

The chairman also highlighted a pivotal achievement in 1975 when ISRO, using satellite data from the U.S., facilitated mass communication by installing 2,400 televisions in villages across six Indian states. These early milestones paved the way for today’s sophisticated space missions.

Historic Achievements in Space

Narayanan hailed July 30, 2023, as a landmark date when ISRO successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission aboard a GSLV-F16 rocket. He noted that NISAR, the most expensive satellite ever developed, demonstrated unmatched precision in its deployment, earning accolades from NASA scientists.

Reflecting on ISRO’s achievements, Narayanan proudly shared that the agency has launched 433 satellites for 34 countries using its indigenous launch vehicles. Among these missions, the Chandrayaan-1 mission stands out for discovering water molecules on the Moon’s surface, while Chandrayaan-3 achieved the unparalleled feat of a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole.

In 2017, ISRO shattered records by deploying 104 satellites in a single launch aboard the PSLV-C37 rocket, surpassing Russia’s earlier record of 34. This milestone underscored ISRO’s growing reputation as a leader in cost-effective and efficient space missions.

Expanding Horizons

ISRO’s ambitions extend far beyond its past milestones. Narayanan announced plans to triple the number of satellites orbiting Earth in the next two to three years, enhancing their ability to support telecommunications, weather forecasting, disaster management, and navigation.

He also outlined upcoming projects, including the Gaganyaan mission to send humans into space and the establishment of an Indian space station by 2035. By 2040, Narayanan predicted India would match the capabilities of the world’s most advanced space programs.

The Human and Social Impact

Beyond technological achievements, ISRO has significantly contributed to national welfare. Its satellites support television broadcasting, ensure food and water security, and provide critical disaster warnings. During the Operation Sindoor relief efforts, ISRO’s technology played a vital role in safeguarding lives.

Narayanan emphasized that ISRO’s contributions have touched nearly every aspect of Indian life, from education to agriculture. He credited the agency’s success to its dedicated scientists and engineers, whose innovation and perseverance continue to propel the program forward.

A Call to Action for the Youth

In his address, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan urged students to embrace perseverance, humility, and lifelong learning. He expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to lead India to global prominence by 2047.

The convocation ceremony also honored the achievements of 9,769 graduates, including 157 top-ranking students. Alongside Narayanan, M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, received an honorary Doctor of Science degree for his contributions to scientific research.

Looking Ahead

ISRO’s remarkable journey from receiving a single rocket to launching hundreds of satellites for global clients reflects the resilience and ingenuity of India’s scientific community. As the agency prepares for ambitious future missions, it continues to inspire millions, proving that with determination, even the most impossible dreams can be realized.

India’s space odyssey is far from over, and the world will undoubtedly watch as ISRO reaches new heights in the years to come.