Model Question and Answers for APSC | Discuss achievements of ISRO in the Indian space program so far. (APSC 2011)

Ans : With the vision of “harnessing space technology for national development while pursuing space science research & planetary exploration” India’s ISRO has become one of the world’s top space for research and human space exploration.
It was founded 51 years ago on 15th of August in 1969 by Vikram Sarabhai. Before ISRO, Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) launched India’s first rocket in 1963. However, it was the current organisation that is responsible for India’s current standing in the world.
Achievements of ISRO
1. Use of satellite communication and remote sensing for socio economic development of country, particularly application for agriculture, health and education and disaster management
2. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is an independent navigational satellite system designed to give accurate information to users in India. Launching IRNSS made India the fifth country to have its very own navigation system
3. Launch of Chandrayaan 1 and 2 for exploration of moon 

4. Success of Mars Mission in first attempt itself
5. Commercial success of PSLV launch vehicle which is attracting launch orders from across world due to its low cost
6. GSLV MK3 stands for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III. It is a 3-stage medium lift launch spacecraft developed by ISRO to launch Chandrayaan 2. It is ISRO’s most powerful rocket that can carry up to 4000 kgs into orbit. It can also carry 3 astronauts, which is a huge accomplishment for India as not many organisations have been able to do so. This has made India ready for Gaganyan, to send humans to space.
From transporting their first rocket on the back of a bicycle to being the first country to reach Mars in the 1st attempt, ISRO has come a long way.