India has made significant strides in space technology since the launch of its first satellite in 1975. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed and launched a wide range of satellites for communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research. Below is a list of Indian satellites, categorized by their purpose and launch year:
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1. Aryabhata (1975)
– Type: Experimental
– Purpose: India’s first satellite, named after the ancient Indian mathematician Aryabhata.
– Launch: 19 April 1975 (launched by the Soviet Union).
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2. Bhaskara Series (1979, 1981)
– Type: Earth Observation
– Purpose: To collect data on oceanography, hydrology, and telemetry.
– Launch: Bhaskara-I (1979), Bhaskara-II (1981).
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3. Rohini Series (1980–1983)
– Type: Experimental
– Purpose: To demonstrate India’s capability to launch satellites using its own launch vehicle, SLV-3.
– Launch: Rohini RS-1 (1980), RS-D1 (1981), RS-D2 (1983).
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4. INSAT Series (1982–Present)
– Type: Communication
– Purpose: Telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and disaster management.
– Notable Satellites:
– INSAT-1A (1982)
– INSAT-2A (1992)
– INSAT-3D (2013) – Meteorological satellite.
– INSAT-3DR (2016) – Advanced weather satellite.
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5. IRS Series (1988–Present)
– Type: Earth Observation
– Purpose: Remote sensing for agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
– Notable Satellites:
– IRS-1A (1988)
– IRS-P3 (1996)
– Cartosat-1 (2005) – High-resolution imaging.
– Resourcesat-2 (2011) – Resource monitoring.
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6. GSAT Series (2001–Present)
– Type: Communication
– Purpose: To provide telecommunication and broadcasting services.
– Notable Satellites:
– GSAT-1 (2001)
– GSAT-7 (2013) – Naval communication.
– GSAT-11 (2018) – High-throughput satellite.
– GSAT-30 (2020) – Replacement for INSAT-4A.
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7. Chandrayaan-1 (2008)
– Type: Lunar Probe
– Purpose: India’s first lunar mission to map the Moon’s surface and study its mineralogy.
– Achievements: Discovered water molecules on the Moon.
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8. RISAT Series (2009–Present)
– Type: Radar Imaging
– Purpose: All-weather, day-and-night Earth observation.
– Notable Satellites:
– RISAT-2 (2009)
– RISAT-1 (2012) – Indigenous radar imaging satellite.
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9. Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) – Mangalyaan (2013)
– Type: Mars Orbiter
– Purpose: India’s first interplanetary mission to study Mars’ surface and atmosphere.
– Achievements: India became the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt.
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10. IRNSS/NavIC Series (2013–2018)
– Type: Navigation
– Purpose: To provide regional navigation services (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or NavIC).
– Notable Satellites:
– IRNSS-1A (2013)
– IRNSS-1I (2018)
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11. Astrosat (2015)
– Type: Space Observatory
– Purpose: India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space telescope for studying celestial objects.
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12. Cartosat Series (2005–Present)
– Type: Earth Observation
– Purpose: High-resolution imaging for cartography and urban planning.
– Notable Satellites:
– Cartosat-1 (2005)
– Cartosat-2 (2007)
– Cartosat-3 (2019) – Very high-resolution imaging.
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13. Chandrayaan-2 (2019)
– Type: Lunar Mission
– Purpose: To explore the Moon’s south pole and study its surface and exosphere.
– Achievements: Orbiter is operational, though the lander (Vikram) had a hard landing.
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14. EOS Series (2020–Present)
– Type: Earth Observation
– Purpose: Advanced remote sensing for agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
– Notable Satellites:
– EOS-01 (2020)
– EOS-03 (2021) – First GEO imaging satellite.
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15. SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) Payloads
– Type: Small Satellites
– Purpose: To launch small satellites for commercial and scientific purposes.
– Notable Satellites:
– AzaadiSAT (2022) – Built by Indian students.
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16. Upcoming Missions
– Chandrayaan-3: Lunar mission with a lander and rover (planned for 2023–2024).
– Gaganyaan: India’s first manned space mission (planned for 2024).
– Aditya-L1: Solar mission to study the Sun’s corona (planned for 2023).
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Key Highlights
– First Satellite: Aryabhata (1975).
– First Lunar Mission: Chandrayaan-1 (2008).
– First Mars Mission: Mangalyaan (2013).
– Navigation System: IRNSS/NavIC (operational since 2018).
– High-Resolution Imaging: Cartosat-3 (2019).
