ISRO

Quick Facts: Who was ISRO?

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ISRO

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India's premier national space agency, driving exploration and satellite technology.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO ) is the national space agency of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It serves as the principal research and development arm of the Department of Space (DoS), overseen by the Prime Minister of India, with the Chairman of ISRO also working as the chief executive of the DoS. It is primarily responsible for space-based operations, space exploration, international space cooperation and the development of related technologies.

Career & Major Achievements

The agency maintains a constellation of imaging, communications and remote sensing satellites. It operates the GAGAN and IRNSS satellite navigation systems. It has sent three missions to the Moon and one mission to Mars.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Formerly, ISRO was known as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was set up in 1962 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the recommendation of scientist Vikram Sarabhai. It was renamed as ISRO in 1969 and was subsumed into the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). In 1972, the Government set up a space commission and the DoS bringing ISRO under its purview.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1962: 1962 Milestone — Formerly, ISRO was known as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was set up in 1962 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the recommendation of scientist Vikram Sarabhai.
2. 1969: 1969 Milestone — It was renamed as ISRO in 1969 and was subsumed into the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
3. 1972: 1972 Milestone — In 1972, the Government set up a space commission and the DoS bringing ISRO under its purview.

Notable Quotes by ISRO

“On the topic of the importance of a space programme to India as a developing nation.” (1969)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: ISRO

True or False: “It is true that ISRO's early development was heavily influenced by the recommendations of scientist Vikram Sarabhai.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Vikram Sarabhai was instrumental in the conceptualization and early direction of India's space program, leading to the formation of INCOSPAR.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. K. Fazlul Huq — Historical peer (Died in 1962) (1962): Pakistani statesman and jurist, known as Sher-e-Bangla, a founding father of Pakistan.
• Abdullah II of Jordan — Historical peer (Born in 1962) (1962): King of Jordan, a Hashemite monarch who assumed the throne in 1999.
• Adam Gilchrist — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): Legendary Australian cricketer, redefining the wicket-keeper-batsman role with aggressive flair.
• Adam Riess — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): Astrophysicist known for evidence of accelerating universe expansion via supernovae.
• A-Mei — Historical peer (Born in 1972) (1972): Iconic Taiwanese singer, producer, and cultural voice of Mandopop.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Historical peer (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.

Frequently Asked Questions about ISRO