What Is ISRO?
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is the space agency of the Government of India, responsible for developing satellite technology, launch vehicles, and India’s civilian space programme. It was established in 1969, succeeding the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) that Dr. Vikram Sarabhai had set up in 1962.
ISRO functions under the Department of Space (DOS), which reports directly to the Prime Minister of India, and is headquartered at Antariksh Bhavan, Bengaluru.
Leadership and Structure
ISRO is led by its Chairman, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space. As of 2026, this position is held by Dr. V. Narayanan, who took charge on January 14, 2025, succeeding Dr. S. Somanath.
The organisation operates through specialised centres, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (Thiruvananthapuram) for launch vehicle development, the U R Rao Satellite Centre (Bengaluru) for satellite building, and the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota) for launches.
Key Missions and Achievements
ISRO’s landmark achievements include Aryabhata (1975, India’s first satellite), Mangalyaan or the Mars Orbiter Mission (2014, which made India the first country to reach Mars orbit on its maiden attempt), and Chandrayaan-3 (2023), which made India the first country to land near the lunar south pole.
ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicles are the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The organisation is also developing Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight programme, alongside NavIC, India’s own satellite navigation system.
Why ISRO Matters for SSB Interview and GK
ISRO frequently comes up in SSB Lecturette topics, Group Discussions, and Personal Interviews around India’s scientific self-reliance and space achievements. Candidates applying for technical entries (like AFCAT technical branch or NDA) are often expected to know ISRO’s recent missions and current leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of ISRO?
ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organisation.
When was ISRO established?
ISRO was established in 1969, succeeding INCOSPAR, which Dr. Vikram Sarabhai founded in 1962.
Who is the current Chairman of ISRO?
Dr. V. Narayanan has been Chairman of ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, since January 14, 2025.
What is ISRO’s most famous achievement?
Chandrayaan-3’s 2023 landing near the Moon’s south pole and the 2014 Mangalyaan Mars mission are among ISRO’s most celebrated achievements.
What is Gaganyaan?
Gaganyaan is ISRO’s human spaceflight programme, intended to send Indian astronauts into orbit aboard an Indian-built spacecraft. Where is ISRO headquartered? ISRO is headquartered at Antariksh Bhavan in Bengaluru.
