This article offers a detailed overview of the “List of Space Centers and Indian Space Agencies.” Discover key insights about India’s space research facilities and organizations by exploring this comprehensive guide.
Space Centres in India
India’s Space Research Journey: A Brief Overview
India’s space research began in the early 1960s, around the same time when the first satellite-based applications were being tested in the United States.
The importance of space technology for India became clear when the American satellite Syncom-3 helped broadcast the Tokyo Olympics live.
This event inspired Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, known as the father of India’s space program, to explore how space technologies could benefit the country.
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Key Milestones in India’s Space Research
Formation of INCOSPAR (1962)
- In 1962, Dr. Sarabhai, along with Dr. Ramanathan, established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). This was India’s first step toward exploring space.
Birth of ISRO (1969)
- On August 15, 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed. Its main focus was to develop space technology and apply it to solving national problems. ISRO quickly grew to become one of the six major space agencies worldwide.
Department of Space (1972)
- ISRO was integrated into the Department of Space (DOS) on June 1, 1972, which helped strengthen its space program.
Key Elements of India’s Space Program
India’s space program focuses on three main areas:
- Satellites for Communication and Remote Sensing:
These satellites help in communication and gather information from distant locations, assisting in various national projects.
- Space Transportation System:
India developed a system for launching payloads into space, improving its capabilities in space exploration.
- Application Programs:
These programs use space technology in practical ways, providing real-world benefits to India.
Prominent Space Systems
- INSAT (Indian National Satellite System):
This system supports telecommunication, television broadcasting, and weather services.
- IRS (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite):
These satellites are crucial for monitoring, conserving, and managing natural resources, as well as helping in disaster management.
List of Space Research Centres in India
| City | Space Center |
|---|---|
| Dehradun | Indian Institute of Remote Sensing |
| Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia-Pacific (CSSTEAP) | |
| New Delhi | DOS branch secretariat |
| ISRO branch office | |
| Delhi earth station | |
| Byalalu | Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) |
| Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) | |
| Lucknow | ISTRAC Ground Station |
| Aluva | Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant |
| Kolkata | Eastern RRCC |
| Chandigarh | Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) |
| Bhopal | Master Control Facility-B (MCF) |
| Hyderabad | NRSA or NRSC – National Remote Sensing Agency /Centre |
| Shillong | North Eastern Space Application Centre |
| Port Blair | Down Range Station |
| Tirupati | NMRF-National Atmospheric Research Laboratory |
| Mumbai | ISRO Liaison office |
| Sriharikota | Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), SHAR |
| Mahendra Giri | ISRO Propulsion Complex |
| Hassan | Master Control Facility |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre |
| Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre | |
| ISRO Inertial Systems Unit | |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) | |
| Nagpur | Central RRSC-Regional Remote Sensing Centre |
| Bangalore | Space Commission |
| Department of Space and ISRO Headquarters | |
| Civil Engineering Programme Office | |
| U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) | |
| Laboratory for Electro-Optical Systems (LEOS) | |
| Southern RRSC | |
| Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) | |
| INSAT Program Office | |
| NNRMS Secretariat- National Natural Resources Management System | |
| ISTRAC-ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network | |
| New Space India Limited (NSIL) | |
| Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre | |
| Jodhpur | Western RRSC – Regional Remote Sensing Centre |
| Udaipur | Solar Observatory |
| Mount Abu | Infrared Observatory |
| Ahmedabad | Space Application Centre (SAC) |
| Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) | |
| Development & Educational Communication Unit (DECU) |
Global Milestones in Space History
- Rakesh Sharma, a Squadron Leader, became the first Indian to travel into space aboard the Soyuz T-11 Vehicle.
- Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-origin astronaut with American nationality, was the first woman from India to go to space.
- The USSR made history by launching the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957.
- ISRO made a significant achievement by launching Aryabhatta, India’s first satellite, on April 19, 1975, with support from the USSR.
- Alexei Leonov became the first person to walk in space.
- Neil Armstrong is remembered as the first person to set foot on the Moon.
- Laika, a Soviet space dog, was the first living creature to be sent into space aboard Sputnik-2.
- Yuri A. Gagarin was the first person to travel into space in the Vostok 1 spacecraft.
- Valentina Tereshkova made history as the first woman to travel to space aboard the Vostok-6 spacecraft on June 16, 1963.
