India decided to go to space when Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was set up by the Government of India in 1962. With the visionary Dr Vikram Sarabhai at its helm, INCOSPAR set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Thiruvananthapuram for upper atmospheric research.
Indian Space Research Organisation, formed in 1969, superseded the erstwhile INCOSPAR. Vikram Sarabhai, having identified the role and importance of space technology in a Nation's development, provided ISRO the necessary direction to function as an agent of development. ISRO then embarked on its mission to provide the Nation space based services and to develop the technologies to achieve the same independently.
Throughout the years, ISRO has upheld its mission of bringing space to the service of the common man, to the service of the Nation. In the process, it has become one of the six largest space agencies in the world. ISRO maintains one of the largest fleet of communication satellites (INSAT) and remote sensing (IRS) satellites, that cater to the ever growing demand for fast and reliable communication and earth observation respectively. ISRO develops and delivers application specific satellite products and tools to the Nation: broadcasts, communications, weather forecasts, disaster management tools, Geographic Information Systems, cartography, navigation, telemedicine, dedicated distance education satellites being some of them.
To achieve complete self reliance in terms of these applications, it was essential to develop cost efficient and reliable launch systems, which took shape in the form of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The famed PSLV went on to become a favoured carrier for satellites of various countries due to its reliability and cost efficiency, promoting unprecedented international collaboration. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) was developed keeping in mind the heavier and more demanding Geosynchronous communication satellites.
Apart from technological capability, ISRO has also contributed to science and science education in the country. Various dedicated research centres and autonomous institutions for remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and space sciences in general function under the aegis of Department of Space. ISRO's own Lunar and interplanetary missions along with other scientific projects encourage and promote science education, apart from providing valuable data to the scientific community which in turn enriches science.
Future readiness is the key to maintaining an edge in technology and ISRO endeavours to optimise and enhance its technologies as the needs and ambitions of the country evolve. Thus, ISRO is moving forward with the development of heavy lift launchers, human spaceflight projects, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, single and two stage to orbit (SSTO and TSTO) vehicles, development and use of composite materials for space applications etc. Know more about ISRO's genesis.
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) - is a constituent unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, Govt. of India. Since its establishment in 1966, IIRS is a key player for training and capacity building in geospatial technology and its applications through training, education and research in Southeast Asia. The training, education and capacity building programmes of the Institute are designed to meet the requirements of Professionals at working levels, fresh graduates, researchers, academia, and decision makers. IIRS is also one of the most sought after Institute for conducting specially designed courses for the officers from Central and State Government Ministries and stakeholder departments for the effective utilization of Earth Observation (EO) data. IIRS is also empaneled under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India providing short term regular and special courses to international participants from ITEC member countries since 2001. The M.Tech. course in 'Remote Sensing & GIS', being offered by the institute in collaboration with the Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
To widen its outreach, IIRS has started live and interactive Distance Learning Programme (DLP) since 2007. IIRS has also launched e-learning course on Remote Sensing and Geo-information Science since August, 2014.
The Institute has a strong, multi-disciplinary and solution-oriented research agenda that focuses on developing improved methods/ techniques for processing, visualization and dissemination of EO data & Geo-information for various societal applications and better understanding of Earth's system processes. Currently, Microwave, hyperspectral and high-resolution EO data processing and their applications are some of the prime research areas. State-of-the-art laboratory and field-based instrumentation and observatories network help meeting the research goals and objectives.
IIRS hosts headquarters of Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP), affiliated to the United Nations and provides support in conducting the Remote Sensing and GIS training and education programmes. IIRS also plays a key role in the activities of Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS), which is one of the largest non-governmental Scientific Societies in the country.
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