How did the Indian Space Program start?

The Indian Space Program, now known for its cost-effective missions to the Moon and Mars, had a humble and determined beginning. What is today the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), one of the world’s most respected space agencies, started in the 1960s with limited resources but immense vision. Driven by scientific ambition, national pride, and a belief in space as a tool for development, India’s space journey is a remarkable story of innovation, self-reliance, and perseverance.

The Indian Space Program owes its foundation to Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a physicist and visionary often called the “Father of the Indian Space Program.” Sarabhai believed that a developing country like India could harness space technology to solve its socio-economic problems, particularly in communication, education, agriculture, and disaster management.

After the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union in 1957, Sarabhai recognized that space science was not just for military or prestige purposes—it could have practical uses for a country like India. In 1962, under the Department of Atomic Energy, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was formed with Sarabhai as its chairman. This marked the official beginning of India’s space journey.

India’s first space facility was established at Thumba, a coastal village near Thiruvananthapuram (then Trivandrum) in Kerala. The site was ideal due to its proximity to the magnetic equator, making it suitable for atmospheric research. The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) became operational in 1963.

In a now-iconic moment, India’s first rocket, a Nike-Apache sounding rocket supplied by the United States, was launched from Thumba on November 21, 1963. The rocket parts were transported on a bicycle and a bullock cart—a symbol of the modest yet determined nature of India’s early space efforts.

These initial launches were primarily for scientific research, especially in studying the upper atmosphere. The focus was on learning, training, and building technical capabilities from the ground up.

In 1969, the Indian government recognized the need for a more dedicated and formal space organization. INCOSPAR was reorganized and renamed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with Vikram Sarabhai as its first chairman. ISRO was brought under the newly formed Department of Space in 1972, which reported directly to the Prime Minister—showing the strategic importance the government placed on space research.

Sarabhai emphasized building indigenous capability. His vision was not to compete with space superpowers but to build a program that could directly benefit India’s development through satellite-based technologies.

ISRO’s early years were focused on developing indigenous technology. In 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer. Though the satellite was launched by the Soviet Union, it was designed and built in India, marking a significant achievement.

This was followed by the Bhaskara series of Earth observation satellites in the late 1970s, which collected data on agriculture, hydrology, and forestry. At the same time, ISRO began developing its own launch vehicle technology.

The first major breakthrough came in 1980, when India successfully launched Rohini-1 satellite using its first indigenously developed rocket, the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3). This mission was led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who later became India’s President and a key figure in both space and missile programs.

From the beginning, India’s space program was deeply rooted in developmental goals. Unlike the Cold War-era space race, India used space technology to solve real-world problems. The INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) was launched in the 1980s to improve telecommunications, television broadcasting, and meteorological forecasting.

ISRO also developed the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series, which provided vital data for agriculture, water resources, urban planning, and disaster management. These applications proved that space could directly support India’s development.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw ISRO focusing on building its own launch vehicles, particularly the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and later the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). These launchers allowed India to place satellites into orbit without foreign assistance and later helped India emerge as a global player in the satellite launch market.

PSLV became a workhorse, known for its reliability and cost-efficiency. It gained international acclaim when, in 2017, it launched a world-record 104 satellites in a single mission—a feat that showcased India’s growing technological prowess.

The Indian Space Program started with almost nothing—just a few scientists, borrowed rockets, and great ambition. But under visionary leadership and with sustained government support, ISRO transformed into a global leader in space technology.

Today, India is among the few countries to have sent missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars (Mangalyaan). Yet, the core philosophy of using space for the betterment of the people remains unchanged.

The journey of ISRO is not just a scientific success story—it is a story of national self-belief, innovation under constraints, and a commitment to inclusive progress.