Early Years of ISRO
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for India to develop its own navigation system, NavIC?

  • To reduce reliance on foreign navigation systems and ensure sovereign control, particularly after experiences during the Kargil War. (correct)
  • To provide a backup system in case of failure of the Russian GLONASS system.
  • To compete with the European Galileo system in the commercial sector.
  • To offer more accurate navigation data than the US GPS system for civilian applications.

How did US restrictions on technology transfer from Russia affect India's space program?

  • They led to the cancellation of the GSLV program due to a lack of crucial components.
  • They had no significant impact because India already had the necessary technology.
  • They forced India to collaborate with European space agencies for technology development.
  • They caused delays in the GSLV's development but ultimately spurred the indigenous development of cryogenic engine technology. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the significance of the Mangalyaan mission?

  • It was the first mission to discover water ice on the Martian surface.
  • It established India as the first country to land a rover on Mars.
  • It marked India as the first nation to successfully orbit Mars on its first attempt, achieving this cost-effectively. (correct)
  • It was a joint mission with the US, aimed at mapping the Martian atmosphere in detail.

Besides space exploration, how has ISRO's work impacted other sectors in India?

<p>It has led to spin-off technologies impacting diverse sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do ISRO's future plans include?

<p>Developing a space station and fostering further collaborations with international space agencies. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the significance of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in ISRO's early days?

<p>It was a makeshift launchpad used to launch India's first sounding rocket in 1963. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main driving force behind Dr. Vikram Sarabhai's vision for the Indian space program?

<p>To use space technology for national development and address socio-economic challenges. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the establishment of the Department of Space in 1972 impact ISRO's operations?

<p>It provided ISRO with its own governing body and greater independence in its activities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) project?

<p>To achieve self-reliance in launching satellites and reduce dependence on foreign assistance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical capability did the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) provide to ISRO's mission profile?

<p>The ability to deploy satellites into polar and geosynchronous transfer orbits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major technological hurdle faced by ISRO in the development of the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle)?

<p>Developing its own cryogenic engine technology. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the launch of Aryabhata in 1975 contribute to the Indian space program?

<p>It marked India's entry into the space age and demonstrated its scientific capabilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the PSLV from the GSLV in terms of their primary mission capabilities?

<p>PSLV is primarily used for launching satellites into low Earth orbit, while GSLV is designed for geosynchronous orbit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

GSLV Development

The development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle by ISRO, delayed by US technology transfer restrictions.

NavIC

Navigation with Indian Constellation, India's indigenous satellite navigation system developed by ISRO.

Chandrayaan-1

The first Indian lunar mission that discovered water on the moon in 2008.

Mangalyaan

India's first successful Mars orbiter mission launched in 2013, notable for its efficiency and low cost.

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ISRO's Impact

ISRO's contributions have affected various sectors, enhancing national pride and inspiring future scientists.

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ISRO

Indian Space Research Organisation, established from INSA in 1969.

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Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

Regarded as the father of the Indian space program.

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Aryabhata

First Indian satellite launched in 1975, marking India's entry into space.

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SLV

Satellite Launch Vehicle aimed at self-reliance in launching satellites.

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PSLV

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, known for its reliability and multiple satellite launches.

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GSLV

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle that uses cryogenic engines for heavier satellites.

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Sounding Rockets

Initial rockets launched to test technologies in space environments.

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Department of Space

Established in 1972 to give ISRO its own governing body separate from atomic energy.

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Study Notes

Early Years of ISRO: A Humble Beginning

  • ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, began as INSA (Indian National Space Research Committee) in 1962.
  • India faced challenges like poverty, illiteracy, and post-war recovery during this time.
  • Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program, envisioned space technology for national development.
  • Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, architect of India's nuclear program, supported Sarabhai's vision.
  • The first sounding rocket launched on November 21, 1963, from a makeshift pad near a Kerala church.
  • Sounding rockets tested space technologies and equipment.

Establishment of ISRO and Early Successes

  • INSA became ISRO on August 15, 1969, under the Department of Atomic Energy.
  • A separate Department of Space established in 1972, giving ISRO its own governing body.
  • Aryabhata, India's first satellite, launched in 1975, using a Soviet rocket.

The SLV Project: A Path to Self-Reliance

  • ISRO aimed for self-reliance in satellite launches, developing the SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle).
  • The first SLV launch (1979) failed due to a malfunction.
  • ISRO persevered, successfully launching Rohini in 1980, establishing India's launch capabilities.

The Rise of PSLV: A Game-Changer

  • ISRO developed the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) for heavier payloads and higher orbits (polar and geosynchronous transfer).
  • PSLV's first launch (1993) failed, but later launches achieved high success rates.
  • PSLV launched many satellites, including Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan.
  • PSLV's reliability is noteworthy, launching multiple satellites successfully.

Mastering Cryogenics: The GSLV and the Quest for Independence

  • ISRO faced the challenge of developing its own cryogenic engine technology for the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) for heavier satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
  • US restrictions on technology transfer from Russia slowed GSLV development.
  • ISRO successfully developed indigenous cryogenic engine technology.
  • The indigenous GSLV engine significantly enhanced India's launch capabilities.

The Birth of NavIC: A Strategic Necessity

  • India's reliance on US GPS during the Kargil War highlighted the need for an indigenous navigation system.
  • ISRO developed NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), granting India space-based navigation sovereignty.

A Legacy of Success: Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Beyond

  • Chandrayaan-1 (2008) discovered water on the moon.
  • Mangalyaan (2013) was India's first successful Mars mission, efficient and cost-effective.
  • Chandrayaan-2 (2019) deployed a lander to the moon's surface.
  • Chandrayaan-3 achieved a successful lunar landing near the Moon's south pole.

ISRO's Impact and the Future

  • ISRO's spin-off technologies impact healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management.
  • ISRO inspires a generation of scientists and engineers.
  • Future plans involve a space station and international collaborations.
  • ISRO's resilience and innovation demonstrate India's space exploration and technology achievements, contributing globally.

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Explore the early days of ISRO, from its humble beginnings as INSA to its establishment as a separate department. Learn about the visionaries behind India's space program, including Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, and the challenges they overcame.

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