Overview
ISRO is India's national space agency, renowned worldwide for delivering ambitious missions at a fraction of the cost of Western equivalents. Founded in 1969, ISRO has grown from sounding rocket experiments to operating India's own navigation system (NavIC), remote sensing constellation, communications fleet, and interplanetary probes — all developed domestically.
ISRO's greatest achievement to date is Chandrayaan-3 (August 2023), which made India the fourth country to soft-land on the Moon and the first to land near the lunar south pole. India's Mars Orbiter Mission (2013) reached Mars orbit on its first attempt at a cost of just $74 million — less than the budget of many Hollywood films. The upcoming Gaganyaan programme will make India the fourth nation to independently launch humans into space.
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Indian Space Research Organisation |
| Abbreviation | ISRO |
| Country | India |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Head | S. Somanath (Chairman) |
| Budget | ~$1.9B (2025) |
| Staff | ~17,000 |
| Crewed Capability | No (astronauts fly on partner vehicles) |
| Website | www.isro.gov.in |
Key Programmes
Chandrayaan Lunar Programme
Chandrayaan-1 (2008) discovered water ice on the Moon. Chandrayaan-3 (2023) achieved India's first soft landing near the lunar south pole. Chandrayaan-4 will attempt a lunar sample return.
Gaganyaan
India's first crewed spaceflight programme. Uncrewed test flights underway, with the first crewed mission planned to carry Indian astronauts (vyomanauts) to low Earth orbit.
Mars Orbiter Mission
Mangalyaan (2013) made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit — on its maiden attempt, at a cost of $74 million.
NavIC Navigation
Navigation with Indian Constellation — India's regional satellite navigation system providing coverage over India and surrounding areas with 7 satellites.
PSLV Workhorse
PSLV has completed 60+ missions with a 98% success rate — one of the most reliable rockets in the world. It launched Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission.
Commercial Launch Services
ISRO's commercial arm (NSIL/Antrix) launches foreign satellites at highly competitive prices. A single PSLV mission once deployed 104 satellites in one flight (2017).
Launch Infrastructure
ISRO launches from:
| Spaceport | Role |
|---|---|
| Satish Dhawan Space Centre | India's primary launch site at Sriharikota — all PSLV, GSLV and LVM3 missions |