Context

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the Muskaan Foundation inaugurated a space laboratory in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Points :

• Inauguration Date: 16 August 2025
• Location: Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School, Shi-Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh
• Collaboration: ISRO & Muskaan Foundation
• Naming: Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory, in honor of the father of Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona

Objectives:

• To provide students with hands-on experience in space science and technology
• To promote STEM education in rural regions
• To encourage scientific curiosity, innovation, and creative thinking
• To bridge the educational gap between urban and rural areas

Key Features:

• Modern Equipment: Tools for satellite technology, rocket science, and space exploration
• Educational Impact: Access to advanced scientific resources in remote Mechuka
• Community Engagement: Active participation of local leaders, teachers, and students

Impact & Significance

• Local Impact: Inspiring students of Mechuka to pursue careers in space science
• National Impact: Reinforcing ISRO’s commitment to promoting scientific education in remote regions of India
• Cultural Significance: Honoring Pasang Wangchuk Sona’s belief in education

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

• India’s national space agency
• Established: 15 August 1969
• Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Objectives of ISRO

• Develop indigenous satellite and launch vehicle technology
• Apply space technology for social and economic development
• Support telecommunications, meteorology, telemedicine, and resource surveys

Major Achievements

Chandrayaan Missions:

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India’s first lunar mission, discovered water molecules on the Moon’s surface
• Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Partial success; orbiter functional, but Vikram lander failed soft landing
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): India’s first successful lunar landing; Pragyan rover deployed at the Moon’s south pole

Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013):

• India became the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt

Aditya-L1 (2023):

• India’s first solar mission placed at Lagrange Point-1 (L1)

NavIC:

• India’s indigenous regional navigation system, an alternative to GPS

Launch Vehicles (PSLV & GSLV):

• Made India self-reliant in satellite launches on a global scale

Upcoming Missions (2025 & Beyond)

• Gaganyaan: India’s first human space mission; target 2026 to send 3 astronauts into Low Earth Orbit
• Shukrayaan-1: Venus mission, expected around 2026 (initially proposed for 2025)
• Chandrayaan-4: Tentative target for 2028 (not yet officially confirmed)
• NISAR: Joint ISRO-NASA mission for Earth surface monitoring

Major ISRO Centers :

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram: Rocket development
• U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru: Satellite design & development
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota: Launch pad for rockets & satellites
• Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Valiamala & Bengaluru: Cryogenic engine development
• National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad: Remote sensing data management
• Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad: Communication & remote sensing applications

Leadership :

• The Chairman of ISRO is also the Secretary of the Department of Space
• Since January 2025, Dr. V. Narayanan is ISRO’s Chairman, succeeding S. Somanath

Commercial Arm :

• Antrix Corporation Limited is ISRO’s commercial wing, responsible for marketing space products, services, and technology transfer

Major Launch Vehicles :