India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched on April 19, 1975. Aryabhata was named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer. It was launched by the Soviet Union from Kapustin Yar using a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle. The satellite was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics. It marked India’s entry into the space age.