In India, space exploration started in 1967 when India launched its first toy rocket RH-75. After it India launched its first artificial satellite namely Arya Bhatta on March 19, 1975. The first Indian who went into the space is Rakesh Sharma. Then, India launched its first experimental communication satellite namely APPLE (Ariane Passanger Pay Load Experiment) on June 19, 1981. Thereafter, India launched many satellites in series in the space like IRS-1A.IRS-1B, IRS-1C, INSAT-1, INSAT-2, INSAT-3 and Rohini satellites. India also developed and tested successfully Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
In India all these activities for the development of space science are under the control of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). ISRO is an organization established by government of India to carry out research and developmental activities related with space science. The various tasks which have been assigned to ISRO are:
- To develop expertise to fabricate launch vehicles (rockets), rocket propellants and their control and guidance system.
- To prepare designs of artificial satellites and to fabricate artificial satellites.
To achieve these objects ISRO has developed Indian Space Research Programme. The main features of Indian Space Research Programme are:
- Development of expertise in the field of planning, designing and fabrication of artificial satellites.
- Development of launch vehicles.
- Establishment of Earth Stations for launching, tracking, controlling and guiding satellites.
- Development of facilities for use of space technology in the fields of communication, weather forecasting and spying.
Indian National SATellites (INSAT)
In India, the satellites which are launched by ISRO for the purpose of communication and weather forecasting are called INSAT. The main tasks of these satellites are:
- Long distance telephone calls.
- Radio and Television broadcasts.
- Weather forecasting.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- Name first satellite launched by India?
- Name first Indian who went into space?
- What is meaning of APPLE?
- What is meaning of PSLV?
- What is meaning of GSLV?
- What is meaning of ISRO?
- What is meaning of IRS?
- What is meaning of INSAT?