23 AUG, 2023
Sweta Gupta
Photo: ISRO
With Chandrayaan-3 ready for a soft landing on Moon's south pole on August 23. Despite budget constraints, ISRO has matched its global counterparts, exemplified by the ongoing moon mission. Let's look at ISRO's key space achievements so far.
Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 was India's inaugural Moon mission that held scientific tools and greatly advanced lunar study. It affirmed the presence of water on Moon's surface water and unveiled ice in perpetually shaded polar zones.
Photo: ISRO
Mangalyaan, India's first mission to another planet, successfully went around Mars in 2014. India was the first Asian country to do this, beating China. The mission studied Mars' air, surface, and rocks, helping us learn about methane and how it changes with the seasons.
Photo: ISRO
India's second Moon mission included an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan). The lander didn't land softly, but the orbiter still works well. The instruments found water molecules and new craters on the Moon.
Photo: ISRO
Gaganyaan, envisioned in 2007 and announced in 2018, is India's crewed spacecraft to demonstrate human spaceflight, conduct microgravity experiments, and open paths for space exploration. It is expected to pick pace in 2024.
Video: ISRO
The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) network consists of various satellites for communication, weather observation, and broadcasting purposes. Prominent satellites within this collection encompass INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR, and INSAT-3DS.
Video: ISRO
The Geosynchronous Satellite (GSAT) series includes satellites for communication, remote sensing, and weather use. Notable ones are GSAT-6, GSAT-7A, and GSAT-30.
Photo: ISRO
The Cartosat satellites serve as Earth observation satellites mainly employed for cartography, mapping, and surveillance purposes. Noteworthy satellites within this lineup include Cartosat-2A, Cartosat-2B, and Cartosat-3.
Photo: ISRO
The Resourcesat satellites are exclusively designed for monitoring and overseeing resources, such as land and water. Examples of satellites within this collection include Resourcesat-1 and Resourcesat-2.
Photo: ISRO