FAQs about ISRO
1. What is ISRO?
ISRO stands for the Indian Space Research Organisation, the space agency of the Government of India, responsible for space research and satellite launches.
2. When was ISRO founded?
ISRO was founded on August 15, 1969.
3. Who is the founder of ISRO?
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is considered the founding father of ISRO.
4. What is the main purpose of ISRO?
ISRO aims to harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.
5. What was India’s first satellite?
India’s first satellite was Aryabhata, launched on April 19, 1975, from the Soviet Union.
6. Has ISRO sent missions to the Moon?
Yes, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. Chandrayaan-3, launched in 2023, successfully landed on the Moon.
7. Did ISRO successfully land on the Moon?
Yes, Chandrayaan-3 made India the first country to land near the lunar south pole and the fourth country to soft-land on the Moon.
8. What is ISRO’s Mars mission?
The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was launched in 2013. It made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to do so in its maiden attempt.
9. Where is ISRO headquartered?
ISRO’s headquarters is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
10. What are some major ISRO satellite programs?
Key programs include INSAT (communication satellites), IRS (remote sensing), GSAT, and NAVIC (regional navigation system).
11. What is PSLV and GSLV?
- PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle – used for launching satellites into polar orbits.
- GSLV: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle – used for launching heavier satellites into geostationary orbits.
12. How many satellites has ISRO launched?
As of 2025, ISRO has launched over 400 satellites, including many for foreign countries.
13. What is the Gaganyaan Mission?
Gaganyaan is India’s first manned space mission, aiming to send Indian astronauts (Gagannauts) into space. The mission is expected to launch in the near future.
14. Does ISRO launch satellites for other countries?
Yes, ISRO has launched satellites for over 35 countries, making it a reliable and cost-effective commercial launch provider.
15. What are ISRO’s future missions?
Upcoming missions include Gaganyaan, Aditya-L1 (solar mission), Shukrayaan (Venus mission), and continued lunar exploration.
16. How is ISRO different from NASA?
While both are national space agencies, ISRO is known for its cost-effectiveness and rapid development cycles, whereas NASA has a much larger budget and focuses on deep space exploration and international missions.
17. How can students join ISRO?
Students can join ISRO through exams like ISRO Centralized Recruitment (ICRB) or after completing degrees from premier institutes like IITs, NITs, or IIST.
18. What is IIST?
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is a university under ISRO that trains future scientists and engineers for India’s space program.
19. Is ISRO involved in space tourism?
As of now, ISRO is focused on national development and scientific missions, but space tourism may be considered in the distant future.
20. Where can I learn more about ISRO’s latest missions?
You can follow ISRO’s official website www.isro.gov.in or their social media handles for real-time updates and mission info.
