Famous Space Missions of ISRO | General Knowledge for Young Learners - Class 1 PDF Download

Introduction 

Here are the top 10 ISRO missions that have significantly impacted space exploration:

1. Aryabhata (1975) 

Aryabhata was India’s first satellite, launched on April 19, 1975, from the Soviet Union. Weighing 360 kilograms, it was meant for scientific experiments in X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and aeronomy. 

Aryabhata 

Despite facing technical problems after its launch, Aryabhata was a crucial step for ISRO, marking India’s entry into space and providing important lessons for future satellite missions. 

2. SLV-3 (1980) 

The Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), launched on July 18, 1980, was India’s first homegrown satellite launch vehicle. It successfully placed the Rohini satellite into orbit, demonstrating India’s capability to design and build its own launch vehicles. This success laid the groundwork for more advanced launch systems and established India as a serious player in global space exploration.

SLV-3

3. RISAT-1 (2012) 

RISAT-1, India’s first radar imaging satellite, was launched on April 26, 2012. It provides all-weather surveillance using synthetic aperture radar, which is crucial for applications like agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. RISAT-1 significantly enhanced India’s remote sensing capabilities, offering vital data for various civilian and strategic uses.

RISAT-1

4. Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) (2013) 

Mangalyaan, launched on November 5, 2013, made India the first country to reach Mars orbit on its first attempt. With a budget of about $74 million, it was one of the cheapest Mars missions ever. The mission aimed to develop technologies for interplanetary missions and study Mars’ surface, atmosphere, and mineralogy. Notable findings include the study of Martian dust storms, providing insights into Mars’ climate. Mangalyaan showcased ISRO’s efficiency in executing complex missions and earned global recognition.

5. GSLV and GSAT Missions (2013, 2018) 

The GSLV series marked India’s progress in launching heavier payloads into geostationary orbit. Notable missions include GSLV-D5 (2014) and GSLV Mk III-D1 (2017), which launched GSAT-19, India’s heaviest satellite, and played a key role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

• GSAT-6A (2018): A high-power communication satellite, GSAT-6A aimed to improve mobile communication services across India, particularly in remote areas. Although the satellite lost contact shortly after launch due to a power issue, it demonstrated ISRO’s advancing capabilities in satellite technology.
• GSAT-7 (2013): Launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket, GSAT-7, also known as Rukmini, enhances maritime communication for the Indian Navy, providing secure real-time communication across the Indian Ocean. This satellite underscores ISRO’s role in supporting national defense through space technology.

GSLV-D5 (2014) and GSLV Mk III-D1 (2017)

6. PSLV and Its C37 Mission (2017) 

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), first launched in 1993, is known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness in launching satellites into polar orbits. It has been instrumental in various missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission, and has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable launch vehicles worldwide.

PSLV-C37

On February 15, 2017, PSLV-C37 set a world record by deploying 104 satellites in a single launch, including the primary payload Cartosat-2D and 103 smaller nano-satellites from different countries. This mission highlighted ISRO’s advanced launch capabilities and its growing influence in the commercial space sector.

7. NAVIC (2018) 

• NAVIC, India’s satellite-based navigation system, became fully operational in 2018.
• It consists of seven satellites providing accurate position information services over India and the surrounding region.
• NAVIC is crucial for national security, disaster management, and navigation in remote areas, enhancing India’s strategic independence in navigation services.

NAVIC

8. Chandrayaan-1: Discovering Lunar Water (2008)

• Launched on October 22, 2008, via PSLV-XL, Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar mission.
• Carrying 11 international instruments, it made a groundbreaking discovery of water molecules in lunar polar regions, challenging the notion of a dry Moon.
• This mission elevated India’s status in lunar exploration and opened prospects for future lunar habitation studies.

9. Chandrayaan Missions (2019 and 2023) 

India’s Chandrayaan missions have significantly advanced lunar exploration, starting with Chandrayaan-1, launched on October 22, 2008. Chandrayaan-2, launched on July 22, 2019, aimed to explore the Moon’s south pole. Building on these experiences, Chandrayaan-3, aimed to achieve a successful soft landing, further enhancing India’s contributions to lunar science.

Chandrayaan-3

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Launched on October 22, 2008, this mission was India’s first to the Moon, carrying 11 scientific instruments to study the lunar surface. The mission made a groundbreaking discovery of water molecules on the Moon, particularly in permanently shadowed craters, challenging the belief that the Moon was entirely dry and opening new possibilities for future exploration.
• Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Launched on July 22, 2019, this mission aimed to further explore the lunar south pole region. Although the lander faced challenges during its descent, the orbiter provided valuable data, including high-resolution images and insights into the Moon’s exosphere, advancing India’s technological capabilities and understanding of the lunar environment.
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Launched on July 14, 2023, this mission aimed for a successful soft landing near the Moon’s south pole. On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 achieved this milestone, making India the first country to successfully land in this challenging region, further demonstrating ISRO’s expertise in space exploration.

10. Aditya-L1 (2023) 

Aditya-L1, launched on September 2, 2023, is India’s first dedicated solar mission aimed at studying the Sun’s outer layers and understanding solar activities and their impact on space weather. This mission reflects ISRO’s growing role in space science and its commitment to exploring and understanding our solar system.

Aditya-L1

Conclusion

These missions have significantly enhanced India’s technological capabilities and contributed to global knowledge and exploration. Upcoming missions like Gaganyaan for human spaceflight, Shukrayaan for Venus exploration, and NISAR for Earth observation represent the next phase of India’s space exploration. As ISRO continues to innovate and push boundaries, these missions will inspire future generations of scientists and engineers, solidifying India’s position as a leading space-faring nation.