<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>h2>ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation
History and Evolution
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in 1969 as the Indian National Space Research Committee (INSPC). It was renamed ISRO in 1972. The organization’s initial focus was on developing indigenous satellite launch vehicles and Communication satellites.
Key Milestones:
- 1975: Launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, using a Soviet launch vehicle.
- 1980: Launch of India’s first operational satellite, Rohini, using an indigenous launch vehicle (SLV-3).
- 1993: Launch of India’s first geostationary communication satellite, INSAT-2A.
- 2008: Launch of India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1.
- 2014: Launch of India’s first Mars mission, Mangalyaan.
- 2017: Launch of India’s heaviest rocket, GSLV Mk III.
- 2019: Launch of India’s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2.
ISRO’s Missions and Programs
ISRO has a wide range of missions and programs, including:
- Satellite Launch Vehicles: ISRO has developed a family of launch vehicles, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
- Communication Satellites: ISRO has launched numerous communication satellites for various purposes, including broadcasting, telecommunications, and Disaster Management.
- Earth Observation Satellites: ISRO has launched a series of Earth observation satellites for monitoring weather, agriculture, Forestry, and natural Resources.
- Navigation Satellites: ISRO has launched the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC, which provides navigation Services over India and the surrounding region.
- Space Exploration Missions: ISRO has conducted lunar missions (Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2) and a Mars mission (Mangalyaan).
- Human Spaceflight Program: ISRO is currently developing a human spaceflight program, with the goal of launching an Indian astronaut into space by 2024.
ISRO’s Achievements
ISRO has achieved numerous milestones in the field of space exploration, including:
- Developing indigenous launch vehicles: ISRO has successfully developed a range of launch vehicles, making India self-reliant in space launch capabilities.
- Launching numerous satellites: ISRO has launched hundreds of satellites for various purposes, making India a major player in the global space Industry.
- Conducting successful lunar and Mars missions: ISRO’s lunar and Mars missions have demonstrated India’s technological prowess and scientific capabilities.
- Developing affordable space technologies: ISRO has developed cost-effective space technologies, making space exploration accessible to developing countries.
ISRO’s Future Plans
ISRO has ambitious plans for the future, including:
- Launching more advanced satellites: ISRO plans to launch more advanced communication, Earth observation, and navigation satellites.
- Expanding space exploration missions: ISRO plans to conduct more lunar and planetary missions, including a mission to Venus.
- Developing a human spaceflight program: ISRO is working towards launching an Indian astronaut into space.
- Collaborating with international space agencies: ISRO is collaborating with international space agencies, such as NASA and ESA, on various projects.
ISRO’s Impact on India
ISRO has had a significant impact on India, contributing to:
- Economic Growth: ISRO’s space technologies have led to the development of new industries and created employment opportunities.
- Social development: ISRO’s satellites have played a vital role in disaster management, Education, healthcare, and agriculture.
- National pride: ISRO’s achievements have boosted India’s national pride and international standing.
ISRO’s Budget and Funding
ISRO’s budget is allocated by the Indian government. The organization receives funding from the Department of Space (DoS), which is under the Ministry of Science and Technology. ISRO’s budget has been increasing steadily over the years, reflecting the government’s commitment to space exploration.
Table 1: ISRO’s Budget (in Indian Rupees)
| Year | Budget (in Crores) |
|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 8,221 |
| 2016-17 | 9,368 |
| 2017-18 | 10,500 |
| 2018-19 | 12,000 |
| 2019-20 | 13,500 |
ISRO’s Organization and Structure
ISRO is a multi-disciplinary organization with a hierarchical structure. It is headed by the Chairman, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Space. ISRO has several centers across India, each specializing in a particular area of Space Technology.
Table 2: ISRO Centers and Their Specializations
| Center | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram | Launch vehicles |
| Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota | Launch vehicle testing and operations |
| ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bengaluru | Satellite design and development |
| Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad | Satellite applications |
| National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad | Remote sensing applications |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram | Space science and technology education |
DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation
History and Evolution
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was established in 1958 as the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). It was renamed DRDO in 1959. The organization’s primary objective is to develop indigenous defence technologies and systems for the Indian Armed Forces.
Key Milestones:
- 1960s: Development of the first indigenous rocket launcher, the Prithvi.
- 1970s: Development of the first indigenous fighter aircraft, the HF-24 Marut.
- 1980s: Development of the first indigenous missile system, the BrahMos.
- 1990s: Development of the first indigenous tank, the Arjun.
- 2000s: Development of the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.
- 2010s: Development of the first indigenous stealth fighter aircraft, the Tejas.
DRDO’s Missions and Programs
DRDO has a wide range of missions and programs, including:
- Missiles and Rockets: DRDO has developed a wide range of missiles, including surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, air-to-air, and anti-tank missiles.
- Aircraft and Aerospace Systems: DRDO has developed fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Naval Systems: DRDO has developed warships, submarines, torpedoes, and sonar systems.
- Armour and Artillery: DRDO has developed tanks, artillery guns, and other armoured vehicles.
- Electronics and Communication systems: DRDO has developed radar systems, electronic warfare systems, and communication systems.
- Materials Science and Engineering: DRDO has developed advanced materials for use in defence applications.
DRDO’s Achievements
DRDO has achieved numerous milestones in the field of defence technology, including:
- Developing indigenous defence systems: DRDO has successfully developed a wide range of defence systems, making India self-reliant in defence technology.
- Reducing dependence on foreign suppliers: DRDO’s efforts have reduced India’s dependence on foreign suppliers for defence equipment.
- Improving the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces: DRDO’s technologies have significantly enhanced the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Developing advanced defence technologies: DRDO has developed advanced defence technologies, such as stealth aircraft and hypersonic missiles.
DRDO’s Future Plans
DRDO has ambitious plans for the future, including:
- Developing next-generation defence systems: DRDO plans to develop next-generation missiles, aircraft, warships, and other defence systems.
- Focusing on emerging technologies: DRDO is focusing on emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and cyber security.
- Collaborating with private industry: DRDO is collaborating with private industry to develop and manufacture defence equipment.
- Promoting innovation and Entrepreneurship: DRDO is promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the defence sector.
DRDO’s Impact on India
DRDO has had a significant impact on India, contributing to:
- National security: DRDO’s defence technologies have strengthened India’s national security and made the country less reliant on foreign suppliers.
- Economic growth: DRDO’s activities have created employment opportunities and boosted the Indian Economy.
- Technological advancement: DRDO’s research and development efforts have led to technological advancements in various fields.
DRDO’s Budget and Funding
DRDO’s budget is allocated by the Indian government. The organization receives funding from the Ministry of Defence. DRDO’s budget has been increasing steadily over the years, reflecting the government’s commitment to defence research and development.
Table 3: DRDO’s Budget (in Indian Rupees)
| Year | Budget (in Crores) |
|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 10,000 |
| 2016-17 | 11,000 |
| 2017-18 | 12,000 |
| 2018-19 | 13,000 |
| 2019-20 | 14,000 |
DRDO’s Organization and Structure
DRDO is a multi-disciplinary organization with a hierarchical structure. It is headed by the Director General, who is also the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister. DRDO has several laboratories across India, each specializing in a particular area of defence technology.
Table 4: DRDO Laboratories and Their Specializations
| Laboratory | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad | Missiles and rockets |
| Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru | Aircraft and aerospace systems |
| Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam | Naval systems |
| Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune | Armour and artillery |
| Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad | Electronics and communication systems |
| Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), Hyderabad | Materials science and engineering |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between ISRO and DRDO?
ISRO is focused on space exploration and research, while DRDO is focused on developing defence technologies and systems.
2. What are the major achievements of ISRO?
ISRO has achieved numerous milestones, including developing indigenous launch vehicles, launching numerous satellites, conducting successful lunar and Mars missions, and developing affordable space technologies.
3. What are the major achievements of DRDO?
DRDO has achieved numerous milestones, including developing indigenous defence systems, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, improving the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, and developing advanced defence technologies.
4. What are the future plans of ISRO?
ISRO plans to launch more advanced satellites, expand space exploration missions, develop a human spaceflight program, and collaborate with international space agencies.
5. What are the future plans of DRDO?
DRDO plans to develop next-generation defence systems, focus on emerging technologies, collaborate with private industry, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the defence sector.
6. How are ISRO and DRDO funded?
Both ISRO and DRDO are funded by the Indian government. ISRO receives funding from the Department of Space, while DRDO receives funding from the Ministry of Defence.
7. What is the role of ISRO and DRDO in India’s development?
ISRO and DRDO have played a significant role in India’s development, contributing to economic growth, social development, national security, and technological advancement.
8. What are the challenges faced by ISRO and DRDO?
Both ISRO and DRDO face challenges such as funding constraints, competition from foreign companies, and the need to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies.
9. What are the opportunities for ISRO and DRDO in the future?
ISRO and DRDO have numerous opportunities in the future, including the growing global space market, the increasing demand for defence technologies, and the emergence of new technologies such as AI and robotics.
10. How can ISRO and DRDO contribute to India’s economic growth?
ISRO and DRDO can contribute to India’s economic growth by developing new technologies, creating employment opportunities, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.