The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved several significant milestones since its inception. Here’s a brief overview of key milestones in ISRO’s journey:

1. Establishment and Early Years (1960s-1980s):

• 1969: ISRO was founded, under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, to harness space technology for national development.
• 1975: India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched, marking India’s entry into space exploration.
• 1980: Launch of Rohini-1, India’s first satellite to be placed into orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, SLV-3.

2. Development of Launch Vehicles (1990s):

• 1993: Successful launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which became a reliable launch vehicle for ISRO’s satellite missions.
• 2001: First successful launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which placed heavier satellites into geostationary orbits.

3. Lunar and Interplanetary Exploration:

• 2008 (Chandrayaan-1): India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, discovered water molecules on the moon, a groundbreaking scientific achievement.
• 2013 (Mars Orbiter Mission – MOM/Mangalyaan): India became the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to do so on its maiden attempt.

4. Communication, Navigation, and Earth Observation Satellites:

• 2016: Launch of IRNSS/NAVIC, India’s regional navigation satellite system, which provides accurate positioning information over India and surrounding areas.
• 2017: ISRO set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission using the PSLV-C37.
• 2019: Successful launch of Cartosat-3, India’s advanced Earth observation satellite, with high-resolution imagery capability.

5. Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan Missions:

• 2019 (Chandrayaan-2): Attempted a soft landing on the moon; although the lander did not succeed, the orbiter continues to send valuable data.
• 2023 (Chandrayaan-3): Successful soft landing on the lunar south pole, making India the first country to land in this region of the moon.
• Planned 2024: ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission is expected to be India’s first human spaceflight mission, aiming to send Indian astronauts into space.

6. Global Collaborations and Commercial Launches:

• Antrix Corporation: ISRO’s commercial arm provides satellite launch services for global clients, positioning India as a major player in the commercial space market.

These milestones demonstrate ISRO’s growing capabilities in space exploration, satellite technology, and international collaborations.