About
The Indian Space Research Organisation
“The development and application of space technology for various national needs.”
— ISRO's stated prime objective, isro.gov.in
The Indian Space Research Organisation traces its roots to the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up in 1962 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. ISRO itself was formed on August 15, 1969, taking over INCOSPAR's role with an expanded mandate to harness space technology for the country.
The Department of Space was created in 1972, with ISRO placed under it — a structure that still holds today. ISRO is headquartered in Bengaluru and operates through a network of centres across India, each responsible for a different piece of the space programme: launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion, ground tracking, and applications.
Leadership
Dr. V. Narayanan
Chairman, ISRO & Secretary, Department of Space
A cryogenic-propulsion engineer, Dr. Narayanan took charge as ISRO Chairman on January 14, 2025.
Milestones
1962
INCOSPAR founded
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai establishes the Indian National Committee for Space Research, the forerunner to ISRO.
1969
ISRO formed
ISRO is established on August 15, superseding INCOSPAR with an expanded mandate.
1972
Department of Space created
ISRO is placed under the newly formed Department of Space, Government of India.
1975
Aryabhata
India's first satellite launches aboard a Soviet rocket, marking the country's entry into space.
2008
Chandrayaan-1
India's first mission to the Moon; its instruments help confirm water molecules on the lunar surface.
2013–14
Mars Orbiter Mission
India becomes the fourth space agency to reach Mars — and the first in the world to do so on a maiden attempt.
2023
Chandrayaan-3 & Aditya-L1
Vikram lander touches down near the lunar south pole on August 23; Aditya-L1 launches to study the Sun.
2024
National Space Day
August 23 is declared National Space Day, commemorating the Chandrayaan-3 landing.
Ongoing
Gaganyaan
India's human spaceflight programme, led by the Human Space Flight Centre, works toward crewed orbital missions.