India’s journey into space exploration has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past few decades, the nation has made significant strides in its space program, establishing a network of cutting-edge space centers that play a pivotal role in advancing space research, satellite deployment, and exploration missions. From the historic achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to the launch of ambitious space missions, India’s space centers stand as symbols of innovation, excellence, and progress.
India’s space program stands among the world’s most successful and ambitious endeavors, marked by numerous milestones and substantial contributions to science, technology, education, and national progress. Through relentless innovation and dedication, it has propelled India to the forefront of global space exploration, fostering advancements that benefit society and inspire future generations.
India’s journey into space exploration began in the early 1960s when the potential of satellite technology was demonstrated during the live telecast of the Tokyo Olympics by the American Satellite ‘Syncom-3’. This event sparked the vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, widely regarded as the founding father of the Indian space program, who recognized the transformative benefits of space technology for India. Under his leadership, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was formed in 1962, laying the groundwork for India’s ambitious foray into space.
On August 15, 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established with the primary goal of developing space technology and applying it to address various national needs. Subsequently, on June 1, 1972, ISRO was brought under the Department of Space (DOS), marking a significant milestone in India’s space endeavors.
Since its inception, the Indian space program has evolved around three key elements:
India’s space research centers and units play a pivotal role in driving these initiatives forward. Among them, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota serves as the primary launch site for ISRO’s missions, while the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad focuses on satellite payload development and application research. Additionally, the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) in Byalalu facilitates communication with interplanetary missions, demonstrating India’s growing capabilities in deep space exploration.
There are over 45 space research centre in India. Before even forming the first research centre in India, Dr Sarabhai and Dr Ramanathan formed the INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) in 1962. Post the formation of INCOSPAR, ISRO or Indian Space Research Organisation, was formed in 1969. Also, ISRO is regarded as one of the world’s 6 largest space research centres.
At the forefront of India’s space exploration efforts stands the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Founded in 1969, ISRO has emerged as a leading hub for space research and innovation. Notable milestones such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan lunar missions underscore ISRO’s ongoing advancements in satellite technology and its pivotal role in international space endeavors.
Here is the complete list of all Space Research Centres in India:
| Indian Space Research Centers and Its Units | |
| City | Space Center |
| Dehradun | Indian Institute of Remote Sensing |
| Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia-Pacific (CSSTEAP) | |
| New Delhi | DOS branch secretariat |
| ISRO branch office | |
| Delhi earth station | |
| Byalalu | Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) |
| Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) | |
| Lucknow | ISTRAC Ground Station |
| Aluva | Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant |
| Kolkata | Eastern RRCC |
| Chandigarh | Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) |
| Bhopal | Master Control Facility-B (MCF) |
| Hyderabad | NRSA or NRSC – National Remote Sensing Agency /Centre |
| Shillong | North Eastern Space Application Centre |
| Port Blair | Down Range Station |
| Tirupati | NMRF-National Atmospheric Research Laboratory |
| Mumbai | ISRO Liaison office |
| Sriharikota | Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), SHAR |
| Mahendra Giri | ISRO Propulsion Complex |
| Hassan | Master Control Facility |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre |
| Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre | |
| ISRO Inertial Systems Unit | |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) | |
| Nagpur | Central RRSC-Regional Remote Sensing Centre |
| Bangalore | Space Commission |
| Department of Space and ISRO Headquarters | |
| Civil Engineering Programme Office | |
| U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) | |
| Laboratory for Electro-Optical Systems (LEOS) | |
| Southern RRSC | |
| Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) | |
| INSAT Program Office | |
| NNRMS Secretariat- National Natural Resources Management System | |
| ISTRAC-ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network | |
| New Space India Limited (NSIL) | |
| Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre | |
| Jodhpur | Western RRSC – Regional Remote Sensing Centre |
| Udaipur | Solar Observatory |
| Mount Abu | Infrared Observatory |
| Ahmedabad | Space Application Centre (SAC) |
| Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) | |
| Development & Educational Communication Unit (DECU) | |
There are over 45 space research centre in India.
At the forefront of India's space exploration efforts stands the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Founded in 1969, ISRO has emerged as a leading hub for space research and innovation.
India's journey into space exploration began in the early 1960s when the potential of satellite technology was demonstrated during the live telecast of the Tokyo Olympics by the American Satellite 'Syncom-3'.
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