2. “The Incredible Journey of ISRO: From Aryabhata to Chandrayaan-3”
3. “Complete Story of ISRO: India’s Space Revolution Explained”
4. “ISRO – India’s Space Powerhouse | History, Missions & Future Goals”
5. “Everything You Need to Know About ISRO: India’s Space Agency”
1. 🚀 ISRO – India’s Glory in Space! Full Story of Our Space Success 🌕🇮🇳
2. 🌍 From Aryabhata to Chandrayaan-3 — The Unstoppable Journey of ISRO!
3. 🛰️ ISRO: India’s Pride | Full Details, Missions, and Future Plans!
4. 🌞 Know the Full Story of ISRO: India’s Space Achievements & Future Dreams
5. 🇮🇳 ISRO – From a Small Church in Kerala to the Moon’s South Pole!
🌍 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – Full Details
🛰️ Introduction
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India’s national space agency, responsible for developing space technology and using it for national development.
ISRO operates under the Department of Space, which reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.
Full Form: Indian Space Research Organisation
Founded: 15 August 1969
Founder: Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Current Chairman (2025): Dr. S. Somanath
Motto: “Harness Space Technology for National Development”
ISRO’s mission is to advance India in space science and technology and apply its benefits for education, communication, weather, defense, and national progress.
🌟 Historical Background
1. Early Beginnings (1960s)
India’s space journey began in the early 1960s when Dr. Vikram Sarabhai recognized the importance of space technology for a developing nation.
In 1962, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was formed under the Department of Atomic Energy.
The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) was established in Thumba, Kerala, for sounding rocket launches.
2. Formation of ISRO (1969)
To strengthen space research, ISRO was officially established on 15 August 1969, replacing INCOSPAR.
In 1972, the Department of Space (DoS) was created, bringing ISRO under direct control of the Government of India.
3. The Visionary
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, known as the Father of the Indian Space Program, believed:
“There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose.”
🧭 Organizational Structure
Division Function / Centre Location
VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) Design and development of launch vehicles Thiruvananthapuram
URSC (U R Rao Satellite Centre) Satellite design and building Bengaluru
SAC (Space Applications Centre) Communication, navigation, and remote sensing payloads Ahmedabad
LPSC (Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) Development of liquid propulsion engines Thiruvananthapuram & Bengaluru
ISTRAC Satellite tracking and control Bengaluru
SDSC-SHAR Spaceport for launching satellites Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
IIST Education and research in space science Thiruvananthapuram
NRSC Remote sensing data applications Hyderabad
🚀 Major Launch Vehicles
1. SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle):
India’s first indigenous rocket.
First successful launch: 1980, carrying Rohini satellite.
Led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
2. ASLV (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle):
Introduced in the 1980s for heavier payloads.
3. PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle):
Launched first in 1993.
Known as the “Workhorse of ISRO”.
Can launch satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits.
4. GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle):
Used to place satellites in geostationary orbit (~36,000 km).
Uses cryogenic engines (CE-7.5 and CE-20).
5. GSLV Mk III / LVM3:
India’s most powerful rocket.
Used for Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and Gaganyaan missions.
Can lift up to 4 tons to GTO.
6. RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle):
Under testing; aims to reduce the cost of space missions by reusing rocket stages.
🛰️ Important Satellites and Missions
1. Aryabhata (1975)
India’s first satellite, launched by the Soviet Union.
Named after the ancient Indian astronomer.
2. Bhaskara Series (1979–1981)
India’s first remote sensing satellites for land and ocean studies.
3. APPLE (1981)
India’s first experimental communication satellite.
4. INSAT Series (1983–present)
Used for television, telecommunication, and meteorological services.
5. IRS Series (1988–present)
Used for remote sensing, mapping, and resource management.
6. GSAT Series
Communication satellites for TV broadcasting, internet, and telephony.
7. IRNSS / NavIC (2013–present)
India’s own navigation satellite system (similar to GPS).
NavIC stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation.
🌕 Notable Space Missions
1. Chandrayaan-1 (2008)
India’s first lunar mission.
Discovered water molecules on the Moon’s surface.
Collaborated with NASA and ESA.
2. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013)
India’s first interplanetary mission.
Made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to do so in its maiden attempt.
Cost: around ₹450 crore.
3. Chandrayaan-2 (2019)
India’s second lunar mission with an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan).
Lander lost contact, but the orbiter continues functioning.
4. Chandrayaan-3 (2023)
Successfully landed on the Moon’s south pole, making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
Rover Pragyan confirmed the presence of sulphur and other minerals.
5. Aditya-L1 (2023)
India’s first solar mission to study the Sun’s corona.
Placed at the L1 point (1.5 million km from Earth).
👩🚀 Human Spaceflight – Gaganyaan Mission
Objective: To send three Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit (~400 km).
Rocket: LVM3 (GSLV Mk III).
Duration: About 3 days in space.
Expected Timeline: 2025–26.
Training: Conducted in collaboration with Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.
🔭 Future Missions and Plans
Mission Name Objective Expected Launch
Gaganyaan India’s first manned spaceflight 2025–26
Shukrayaan-1 Venus orbiter mission 2026–27
LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) Joint mission with Japan to explore Moon’s polar ice 2027
NISAR (NASA-ISRO SAR Mission) Joint Earth observation mission with NASA 2025
RLV Advanced Test Development of reusable space vehicle Ongoing
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Low-cost rocket for small satellites Operational (since 2022)
🏆 Major Achievements
✅ Successful Moon and Mars missions at record low cost.
✅ Launching 104 satellites in one mission (2017) — world record.
✅ India became the 4th nation to soft-land on the Moon (2023).
✅ Development of indigenous cryogenic engine technology.
✅ Established NavIC, India’s own satellite navigation system.
✅ Global satellite launch services — launching satellites for over 35 countries.
📍 ISRO’s Global Importance
ISRO has emerged as a major global player in affordable space technology.
Countries like the USA, UK, France, and UAE have partnered with India for satellite launches due to ISRO’s low-cost, high-precision approach.
India’s space program showcases technological self-reliance, scientific excellence, and peaceful space exploration.
🧡 Conclusion
ISRO symbolizes India’s scientific spirit, innovation, and vision.
From launching small rockets from a church in Kerala to landing on the Moon’s south pole, ISRO’s journey is a story of determination, talent, and national pride.
As India steps toward human spaceflight and interplanetary missions, ISRO continues to inspire millions and strengthen India’s position among the world’s top space powers.
80 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) — perfect for competitive exams, general knowledge, or educational quizzes.
🛰️ ISRO – 80 MCQs with Answers
General & Foundational Facts
1. When was ISRO founded?
A) 1962
B) 1969
C) 1975
D) 1984
Answer: B) 1969
2. Who is known as the father of the Indian space program?
A) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
B) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
C) Dr. Satish Dhawan
D) Dr. K. Kasturirangan
Answer: B) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
3. What is the full form of ISRO?
A) Indian Space Research Organization
B) Indian Scientific Research Organization
C) International Space Research Organization
D) Indian Space and Rocket Organization
Answer: A) Indian Space Research Organization
4. Where is ISRO’s headquarters located?
A) Chennai
B) Bengaluru
C) Hyderabad
D) Mumbai
Answer: B) Bengaluru
5. Who was the first Chairman of ISRO?
A) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
B) Dr. Satish Dhawan
C) Dr. UR Rao
D) Dr. MGK Menon
Answer: A) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
6. Which organization preceded ISRO?
A) INCOSPAR
B) DRDO
C) BARC
D) NAL
Answer: A) INCOSPAR
7. INCOSPAR was established under which department?
A) Department of Atomic Energy
B) Department of Space
C) Ministry of Science and Technology
D) Ministry of Defence
Answer: A) Department of Atomic Energy
8. ISRO comes under which department of the Government of India?
A) Department of Science
B) Department of Space
C) Department of Technology
D) Ministry of Defence
Answer: B) Department of Space
9. Who was ISRO’s second chairman?
A) Dr. UR Rao
B) Dr. Satish Dhawan
C) Dr. Kasturirangan
D) Dr. K. Sivan
Answer: B) Dr. Satish Dhawan
10. Who is the current Chairman of ISRO (as of 2025)?
A) Dr. K. Sivan
B) Dr. S. Somnath
C) Dr. Radhakrishnan
D) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Answer: B) Dr. S. Somnath
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Satellite Launch Vehicles
11. What does PSLV stand for?
A) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
B) Planetary Satellite Launch Vehicle
C) Polar Space Launch Vehicle
D) None of the above
Answer: A) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
12. What does GSLV stand for?
A) Geo Stationary Launch Vehicle
B) Geo Synchronous Launch Vehicle
C) General Satellite Launch Vehicle
D) Global Satellite Launch Vehicle
Answer: B) Geo Synchronous Launch Vehicle
13. Which was India’s first satellite?
A) Bhaskara
B) Aryabhata
C) Rohini
D) INSAT-1A
Answer: B) Aryabhata
14. In which year was Aryabhata launched?
A) 1972
B) 1975
C) 1977
D) 1980
Answer: B) 1975
15. Aryabhata was launched with the help of which country?
A) USA
B) Russia (USSR)
C) France
D) Japan
Answer: B) Russia (USSR)
16. Where is the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located?
A) Bengaluru
B) Thumba
C) Sriharikota
D) Ahmedabad
Answer: C) Sriharikota
17. What is the full name of SHAR?
A) Sriharikota High Altitude Range
B) Sriharikota High-speed Aerospace Range
C) Sriharikota High Altitude Rocket Range
D) Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Answer: A) Sriharikota High Altitude Range
18. When was India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-3) launched?
A) 1979
B) 1980
C) 1982
D) 1985
Answer: B) 1980
19. Who led the SLV-3 project?
A) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
B) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
C) Dr. UR Rao
D) Dr. Kasturirangan
Answer: B) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
20. Which was India’s first successful satellite launch vehicle?
A) SLV-1
B) SLV-3
C) ASLV
D) PSLV
Answer: B) SLV-3
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Major Missions
21. When was Chandrayaan-1 launched?
A) 2006
B) 2008
C) 2010
D) 2012
Answer: B) 2008
22. Chandrayaan-1 confirmed the presence of what on the Moon?
A) Helium
B) Water molecules
C) Iron oxide
D) Ice rocks
Answer: B) Water molecules
23. When was Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) launched?
A) 2011
B) 2013
C) 2015
D) 2017
Answer: B) 2013
24. India became which country to reach Mars orbit successfully in the first attempt?
A) 1st
B) 2nd
C) 3rd
D) 4th
Answer: A) 1st
25. What was the cost of Mangalyaan approximately?
A) ₹450 crore
B) ₹1000 crore
C) ₹2000 crore
D) ₹5000 crore
Answer: A) ₹450 crore
26. When was Chandrayaan-2 launched?
A) 2017
B) 2018
C) 2019
D) 2020
Answer: C) 2019
27. Name the lander of Chandrayaan-2.
A) Pragyan
B) Vikram
C) Aryabhata
D) Shakti
Answer: B) Vikram
28. Name the rover of Chandrayaan-2.
A) Vikram
B) Pragyan
C) Aryabhata
D) Rakesh
Answer: B) Pragyan
29. When was Chandrayaan-3 launched?
A) July 2022
B) July 2023
C) August 2023
D) September 2023
Answer: B) July 2023
30. Chandrayaan-3 made India the ____ country to land on the Moon.
A) 3rd
B) 4th
C) 5th
D) 6th
Answer: B) 4th
31. Where did Chandrayaan-3 land on the Moon?
A) Near the equator
B) North pole
C) South pole
D) Western plain
Answer: C) South pole
32. What was the name of India’s first navigation satellite?
A) IRNSS-1A
B) INSAT-1A
C) GSAT-6
D) Kalpana-1
Answer: A) IRNSS-1A
33. Which ISRO mission studied the Sun?
A) Surya
B) Aditya-L1
C) Bhaskar
D) Vamana
Answer: B) Aditya-L1
34. When was Aditya-L1 launched?
A) 2022
B) 2023
C) 2024
D) 2025
Answer: B) 2023
35. Aditya-L1 was launched to study which part of the Sun?
A) Core
B) Corona
C) Chromosphere
D) Photosphere
Answer: B) Corona
36. What is the name of India’s human spaceflight program?
A) Vayu
B) Gaganyaan
C) Bharatiyaan
D) Akashyaan
Answer: B) Gaganyaan
37. Gaganyaan mission aims to send how many astronauts?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
Answer: C) 3
38. What is the name of ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle prototype?
A) RLV-TD
B) SLV-4
C) Agni-1
D) Shakti
Answer: A) RLV-TD
39. When was RLV-TD successfully tested?
A) 2015
B) 2016
C) 2017
D) 2018
Answer: B) 2016
40. What is the name of ISRO’s cryogenic engine?
A) CE-7.5
B) CE-20
C) CE-25
D) CE-10
Answer: B) CE-20
Excellent 👍
Here’s the next 40 MCQs (41–80) on ISRO Satellites, Launch Sites, Future Missions, and Achievements, continuing from where we left off.
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🛰️ ISRO – MCQs (41–80) with Answers
No. Question Options Answer
41 Which was India’s first experimental communication satellite? A) INSAT-1A B) APPLE C) Bhaskara D) Kalpana-1 B) APPLE
42 When was APPLE launched? A) 1975 B) 1979 C) 1981 D) 1985 C) 1981
43 What does INSAT stand for? A) Indian Satellite B) Indian National Satellite C) Indian Navigation Satellite D) Indian Nuclear Satellite B) Indian National Satellite
44 Which was the first satellite built entirely in India? A) Bhaskara-I B) Rohini C) Aryabhata D) APPLE B) Rohini
45 India’s first remote sensing satellite was — A) Bhaskara-I B) INSAT-1B C) APPLE D) Rohini A) Bhaskara-I
46 Bhaskara-I was launched in — A) 1977 B) 1979 C) 1981 D) 1983 B) 1979
47 India’s first meteorological satellite was — A) Kalpana-1 B) Bhaskara-II C) INSAT-1A D) Rohini A) Kalpana-1
48 Which satellite series is used for telecommunication and TV broadcasting? A) INSAT B) GSAT C) IRS D) IRNSS A) INSAT
49 GSAT satellites are used mainly for — A) Remote sensing B) Communication C) Weather forecasting D) Scientific experiments B) Communication
50 IRS stands for — A) Indian Remote Satellite B) Indian Remote Sensing Satellite C) Indian Research Satellite D) Infrared Satellite B) Indian Remote Sensing Satellite
51 Which satellite provides navigation similar to GPS? A) IRNSS B) GSAT C) INSAT D) RISAT A) IRNSS
52 The Indian GPS-like system is named — A) Gagan B) NavIC C) Astra D) Aryabhata B) NavIC
53 How many satellites are part of the NavIC system? A) 5 B) 7 C) 9 D) 11 B) 7
54 GAGAN is related to — A) Air navigation B) Weather C) Communication D) Remote sensing A) Air navigation
55 RISAT stands for — A) Radar Imaging Satellite B) Regional Indian Satellite C) Remote Information Satellite D) Research Imaging Satellite A) Radar Imaging Satellite
56 Which radar imaging satellite was launched in 2019? A) RISAT-2B B) RISAT-2A C) Cartosat-3 D) INSAT-3DR A) RISAT-2B
57 What is the main purpose of Cartosat satellites? A) Weather monitoring B) Earth mapping and cartography C) Communication D) Navigation B) Earth mapping and cartography
58 Which ISRO centre develops launch vehicles? A) VSSC B) LPSC C) SAC D) URSC A) VSSC
59 VSSC stands for — A) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre B) Vehicle Space Science Centre C) Vision Satellite Space Centre D) None A) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
60 ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre is located at — A) Thiruvananthapuram B) Bengaluru C) Ahmedabad D) Hyderabad A) Thiruvananthapuram
61 Which centre handles satellite design and development? A) SAC B) URSC C) ISTRAC D) VSSC B) URSC (U R Rao Satellite Centre)
62 SAC is located in — A) Ahmedabad B) Bengaluru C) Thiruvananthapuram D) Chennai A) Ahmedabad
63 ISTRAC stands for — A) ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network B) Indian Space Telemetry Centre C) Indian Satellite Tracking Centre D) ISRO Training and Command A) ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network
64 The rocket launch pad at Sriharikota is called — A) SDSC-SHAR B) TDP Range C) Thumba Equatorial Launching Station D) LPSC A) SDSC-SHAR
65 Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) is located in — A) Kerala B) Tamil Nadu C) Odisha D) Karnataka A) Kerala
66 Which foreign satellite was first launched by ISRO? A) APPLE B) Bhaskara C) IRS-1A D) KitSat-A (South Korea) D) KitSat-A (South Korea)
67 PSLV is often called — A) India’s workhorse rocket B) India’s fastest rocket C) India’s heaviest rocket D) India’s smallest rocket A) India’s workhorse rocket
68 GSLV Mk III is now known as — A) LVM3 B) HLV3 C) Vikas D) Gaganyaan Vehicle A) LVM3
69 What is the payload capacity of LVM3 to GTO orbit? A) 2 tons B) 4 tons C) 8 tons D) 10 tons B) 4 tons
70 The engine used in LVM3 is — A) CE-20 B) Vikas C) PSLV D) SCE-200 A) CE-20
71 The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is located in — A) Thiruvananthapuram B) Chennai C) Hyderabad D) Bengaluru A) Thiruvananthapuram
72 UR Rao Satellite Centre was formerly known as — A) ISAC B) SAC C) LPSC D) VSSC A) ISAC (ISRO Satellite Centre)
73 Which Indian satellite was renamed after Kalpana Chawla? A) METSAT B) INSAT C) GSAT D) IRNSS A) METSAT (renamed Kalpana-1)
74 ISRO was awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize in — A) 2010 B) 2012 C) 2014 D) 2019 B) 2012
75 In 2017, ISRO set a record by launching how many satellites in one mission? A) 104 B) 120 C) 85 D) 99 A) 104
76 That record-breaking 2017 mission was launched using which rocket? A) PSLV-C37 B) GSLV Mk II C) LVM3 D) SLV-3 A) PSLV-C37
77 Which country’s satellites were also launched in PSLV-C37? A) USA B) Israel C) 6 countries including USA D) Only India C) 6 countries including USA
78 ISRO’s spaceport at Sriharikota is in which state? A) Andhra Pradesh B) Tamil Nadu C) Kerala D) Odisha A) Andhra Pradesh
79 In 2024, ISRO planned a mission to study Venus named — A) Shukrayaan-1 B) Chandrayaan-4 C) Venus-India D) Vamana A) Shukrayaan-1
80 What is the motto of ISRO? A) “Space for Development” B) “Harness Space Technology for National Development” C) “Expanding India’s Space Frontier” D) “Towards Infinity” B) Harness Space Technology for National Development
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✅ Summary:
Total: 80 Questions
Coverage: History, Satellites, Missions, Centers, Rockets, Future Plans, and Achievements.
Perfect for: UPSC, SSC, CDS, Bank, State PSC, or general GK quizzes.
