Since the inception of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) it has given us innumerable milestones to be proud of. ISRO was institutionalized in 1969 and since then, it has never failed to withstand its vision `harness space technology for national development`. It has emerged out to be a standard of achievement for many government agencies.

Let’s rewind and go back to the exceptional achievements of ISRO.

1.     Creating a milestone ISRO launches its 100th satellite

Starting with the latest one, Indian space agency Isro launched its 100th satellite along with 30 others in a single mission from Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh on 12 Jan. These Thirty-one spacecrafts, including weather observation Cartosat-2 series satellite, were launched by PSLV-C40. Out of the 31, 28 satellites are foreign, while three are from India.

2.     Made a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission

On February 15, 2017, ISRO made a history by lifting off 104 satellites using the Indian rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The launch took place on the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh and managed to successfully put these satellites into their desired orbit in one go. It also included the Cartostat-2 series, India`s earth observation satellite.

3.     India’s very own satellite navigation system IRNSS, 2016:

The seven-satellite system created India’s very own satellite navigation system that could potentially offer services like terrestrial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management, a navigation aid for hikers and travellers, visual and voice navigation for drivers. The launch of this 7th navigation satellite brought India much closer to the ‘GPS club’. According to the experts, an Indian-owned system like this will be predominantly used in times of war for gaining positional accuracy.

4.     Agencies personal best by Launching 20 satellites, 2016:

Before it made the 104 satellite record, in 2017, Isro launched 20 satellites in one mission. It was a personal best for the space agency. Apart from Isro’s own satellites and those built by university students in the country, the mission carried satellites from the US, Canada, Germany and Indonesia.

5.     Reusable Launch Vehicle, 2016 on mere budget of Rs 95 crore

Isro successfully tested the Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) that was built on a mere budget of Rs 95 crore. The winged flight vehicle — called as India’s space shuttle glided back onto a virtual runway in the Bay of Bengal in a 10-minute mission was the first stage of a fully re-usable vehicle. The intention was to reduce the satellite costs and these are reusable space shuttles.

6.     India joined exclusive global club with Mangalyaan, 2014

India joined a limited global club when it successfully launched the Mars Orbiter Mission on a restricted budget that was at least 10 times lower than a similar project by the US. Previously only the United States, Russia and Europe had sent missions to Mars. What made India’s accomplishment stand out was that it succeeded in its first attempt, which the others could not.

7.     India’s first unmanned lunar probe Chandrayaan, 2008:

India’s first unmanned lunar probe was launched concreting a landmark in India’s space mission. It was a landmark in its space mission as only six space organisations had attempted this. After proudly hoisting the Tricolour Isro lost contact with Chandrayaan.

8.     Development of Indian space mission’s most reliable workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), 1993:

In the 1990s ISRO developed Indian space mission’s most reliable workhorse PSLV. For the next 20 years, it launched a number of satellites for historic missions such as the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. PSLV remains a favourite among various organisations as a launch service provider and launched over 40 satellites for 19 countries.

9.     Indian National Satellite System (INSAT), 1983:

Launched by ISRO, INSAT is a series of multi-purpose geostationary satellites. It lent a hand with telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations. The satellites built a communication system all across Asia Pacific region. There are nine working satellites in the group.

10.    India`s first satellite Aryabhatta, 1975:

Aryabhatta is India`s first satellite which has been named after the famous astronomer Aryabhatta. The spacecraft was entirely built in the country engraving its name down in the lanes of history in space missions.

Without any doubts ISRO has come a long way from the day of its inception, making every Indian proud.