Development of Space Science
Year wise details of innovative projects
undertaken in the last three years are as below:
2014-15 Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM): Launched
on September 24, 2014, has made ISRO, the fourth Space agency in the world to
reach Mars orbit. Initially designed for six months, MOM is still continuing
and sending important data for scientific studies.
2015-16 AstroSat: Launched on September 28,
2015, is a unique satellite providing common platform for simultaneous
multi-wavelength observations of celestial sources. It has completed more than
two years and performing.
2016-17 RLV-TD: It was successfully flight
tested on May 23, 2016. It is the most technologically challenging endeavors of
ISRO towards developing essential technologies for a fully reusable launch
vehicle to enable low cost access to space.
2016-17 ScramJet: The first experimental mission of ISRO's
Scramjet engine towards the realisation of an Air Breathing Propulsion System
was successfully conducted on August 28,
2016. Future Reusable launch vehicle together with Air Breathing propulsion
system will bring down the cost of access to space far low.
ISRO has worked out a 3 year action plan, 7
year strategy and 15 year long term
vision for Space Programme, under four vertical,
namely, (i) Space transportation
system, (ii) Space infrastructure, (iii) Space applications, (iv) Capacity building.
International cooperation is a part of India's
space programme since its inception. In the past, ISRO has developed
Meghatropiques and SARAL satellites in cooperation with French space agency
CNES. Currently ISRO and NASA are working jointly on NISAR (NASA ISRO Synthetic
Aperture Radar) project. Bilateral cooperation with foreign
countries/institutions in the field of space science and research helps in
analysis of data, identification of key areas for future missions and
utilisation of space and ground based resources.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
taken several measures to promote scientific research by the Indian scientists
especially the youth, which include:
ISRO Space Science Promotion Scheme
(ISRO-SSPS) intended towards supporting and strengthening of research in space
science in universities.
ISRO's Sponsored Research (RESPOND) Programme
involves academic institutions for joint research to meet specific requirements
in area of space technology, space science and space applications.
Indian Institute of Space Science and
Technology (lIST), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and National Atmospheric
Research laboratory (NARL) established under Department of Space
encourages young researchers to undertake research in space science and
technology.
Space Technology Cell was set up by ISRO at
premiere institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras,
IISc Bangalore and University of Pune to carry out research activities in the
areas of space technology and applications.
