List of Space Research Centres in India

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.

What is Indian Space Program?

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.

History of Indian Space Program

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:

1. Satellites for Communication and Remote Sensing
2. Space Transportation System
3. Application Programs

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.

How many Space Research Centres are there in India?

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.

Primary Space Research Centre of India – ISRO

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.

List of Space Research Centres in India

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)