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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stands on the precipice of a momentous occasion: its 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. Scheduled for the early hours of January 29th, 2025, the GSLV-F15 mission represents not just another launch, but a culmination of decades of dedication, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of excellence in the field of space exploration. This journey began humbly, with the partially successful experimental flight of the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3 E10) on August 10th, 1979. Carrying the Rohini Technology Payload, this inaugural mission, under the direction of the then-ISRO official and future President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, laid the foundation for future triumphs. The initial setback spurred ISRO to refine its technology, leading to the successful orbital placement of the Rohini satellite, RS-1, a year later with the SLV-3E2 mission. This early success exemplified the spirit of resilience and continuous improvement that has characterized ISRO's trajectory.
From these initial steps, ISRO embarked on an ambitious program encompassing a diverse array of launch vehicles. The SLV-3 was followed by the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), the workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) that accounted for a substantial 62 launches, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) responsible for 16 missions, the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LMV3) with seven missions, the smaller Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with three missions, and even experimental missions including a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) mission, a Test Vehicle Abort Mission, and a Pad Abort Test (PAT) as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Each launch, each success, and each failure has contributed to the vast wealth of knowledge and expertise that has propelled ISRO to its current standing as a globally recognized space agency. The strategic selection of Sriharikota on India's east coast was not a matter of chance but a calculated decision based on several key geographical advantages. The location provides a favorable launch azimuth corridor for diverse missions, its proximity to the equator offers benefits for eastward launches, and the presence of a large uninhabited area ensures a crucial safety zone during launch operations.
The significance of ISRO's achievements cannot be overstated. The agency has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible, contributing significantly to advancements in satellite technology, communication infrastructure, and scientific exploration. Among the most notable achievements are India's lunar missions. The Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 (PSLV-C11), Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 (GSLV-Mk III - M1), and the groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 (LVM3 M4) marked crucial milestones, culminating in India becoming the first nation to achieve a soft landing on the lunar south pole. These missions not only demonstrated advanced technological capabilities but also underscored India's growing prowess in the realm of space exploration. Beyond lunar exploration, ISRO's interplanetary ambitions have also borne fruit. The Mars Orbiter Mission (PSLV-C25) in 2013 marked India's first foray into interplanetary space, a testament to the nation's expanding capabilities in deep-space navigation and communication. The recent Aditya-L1 mission (PSLV-C57) in 2023 represents another significant achievement, launching India's first dedicated solar observatory to study the Sun.
Further showcasing ISRO's remarkable efficiency and technological prowess was the PSLV-C37/Cartosat-2 series mission in 2017, where a record-breaking 104 satellites were launched in a single flight. This impressive feat stood as a world record until 2021. These successes, however, are intertwined with the inevitable challenges and setbacks faced during the agency's journey. There have been instances of launch failures, including those involving the GSLV-F02/INSAT-4C in 2006, GSLV-D3/GSAT-4 and GSLV-F06/GSAT-5P in 2010, and the GSLV-F10/EOS-03. These failures, while regrettable, have served as invaluable learning experiences, pushing ISRO to constantly analyze, improve, and refine its processes and technologies. The agency's dedication to learning from both successes and failures has been integral to its consistent progress and evolution. The upcoming 100th launch, therefore, signifies not just a numerical milestone, but a testament to the resilience, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence that defines ISRO's legacy. It represents a culmination of decades of hard work, dedication, and relentless striving towards the forefront of global space exploration.
Source: ISRO set for a historic 100th launch from Sriharikota