The Indian space programme is said to have begun in ________ with the setting up of INCOSPAR by the Indian governnent.

The correct answer is 1962.

Key Points

• The Indian space program:
  • With the setting up of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, space activities in the country were initiated. Hence, Option 3 is correct.
  • In the same year, the work on Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram was also started.
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in August 1969.
  • The Government of India constituted the Space Commission and established the Department of Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought ISRO under DOS in September 1972.
  • The Department of Space (DOS) has the primary objective of promoting the development and application of space science and technology to assist in the all-around development of the nation.

Important Points

• Towards this, DOS has evolved the following programmes:
  • Launch Vehicle programme has the indigenous capability for launching spacecraft.
  • INSAT Programme for telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, development of education, etc.
  • Remote Sensing Programme for application of satellite imagery for various developmental purposes
  • Research and Development in Space Sciences and Technology for serving the end of applying them for national development

Additional Information

• The Space Commission formulates the policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme to promote the development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country.
• DOS implements these programmes mainly through:
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
  • National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL)
  • North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NESAC)
  • Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL)