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Key Points

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reflected on India's space journey, from humble beginnings with a US-donated rocket to now preparing to launch a massive 6500kg American satellite. He highlighted key milestones, including the NISAR mission, which earned global praise for precision. Narayanan emphasized India's growth, having launched satellites for 34 countries. The upcoming mission symbolizes India's rise as a spacefaring nation.

Key Points: ISRO Chief Narayanan Marks India's Space Journey From US Rocket to 6500kg Satellite

  • ISRO's journey began with a small US rocket in 1963
  • India to launch 6500kg US satellite with indigenous launcher
  • NISAR mission praised for precision by NASA
  • ISRO has launched 433 satellites for 34 countries
2 min read

From tiny rocket to 6,500-kg satellite: ISRO chief highlights India's giant leap in space journey

ISRO Chairman Narayanan highlights India's space evolution—from a US-donated rocket in 1963 to launching a 6500kg American satellite soon.

"A country that once received a tiny rocket from the US is now set to launch one of its largest communication satellites. — V. Narayanan, ISRO Chief"

Chennai, Aug 10

ISRO Chairman and Department of Space Secretary V. Narayanan announced on Sunday that marking a remarkable turnaround in India's space journey, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch a 6,500-kg communication satellite built by the US within the next couple of months.

Speaking at the 21st convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Kattankulathur near Chennai, Narayanan reflected on the humble beginnings of the Indian space programme, which started in 1963 with the launch of a tiny rocket donated by the US.

"It was on November 21, 1963, when the US provided us with a small rocket, marking the start of our journey. At that time, we were six to seven years behind advanced nations," he said.

Narayanan, who was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Science by Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan during the event, recounted key milestones in ISRO's growth.

In 1975, using satellite data provided by the US, India demonstrated the concept of mass communication by installing 2,400 television sets across 2,400 villages in six states.

"From that kind of beginning, July 30, 2025, was a historic day for the Indian space programme," Narayanan noted, referring to the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission onboard the GSLV-F16.

The mission, he said, carried the costliest satellite ever built in the world, featuring an L-band SAR payload from the US and an S-band payload from ISRO.

"The satellite was placed in orbit with high precision, earning praise from NASA for our launcher's accuracy," he added.

Narayanan said that the upcoming mission to launch the 6,500-kg American-built satellite from Indian soil using an indigenous launcher would be a symbolic moment.

"A country that once received a tiny rocket from the US is now set to launch one of its largest communication satellites. This shows the phenomenal growth we have achieved," he remarked.

Highlighting ISRO's achievements, Narayanan said that from having no satellite technology 50 years ago, India has now launched 433 satellites belonging to 34 countries using its own launch vehicles.

"Our journey reflects not just technological progress but the determination and vision to stand shoulder to shoulder with the most advanced spacefaring nations," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As an expat living in India, I'm constantly amazed by ISRO's achievements. Their cost-effective missions are setting global benchmarks. The NISAR mission collaboration shows how far international trust in Indian space tech has come.
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Priya S
While we celebrate these achievements, I hope ISRO focuses more on solving terrestrial problems too. Many villages still lack basic amenities while we're launching satellites. Balance is important.
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Vikram M
Remember watching Doordarshan in my village as a child - now we're launching satellites that provide services globally! ISRO's journey is truly inspirational for young scientists like me. #SpaceDreams
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Rohit P
The best part? ISRO achieved all this without wasteful spending. Their budget is fraction of NASA's but results are phenomenal. More power to our scientists! 🚀
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Kavya N
My grandfather worked on early ISRO projects. He used to tell stories about transporting rocket parts on bicycles! Now we're launching heavy satellites - what a transformation in just two generations.
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Michael C
The US-India space collaboration has come full circle. From donating rockets to now trusting India with our satellites - this partnership benefits both nations. Excited for the upcoming launch!

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