The Birth of ISRO: From INCOSPAR to Vikram Sarabhai’s Vision

How a modest initiative in the 1960s grew into one of the world’s most respected space agencies.

In 1962, India took its first step towards space exploration with the formation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). At a time when the country was still finding its footing after independence, few could have imagined that this small committee would lay the foundation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), one of the world’s leading space agencies today.

The visionary behind this bold move was Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, often called the father of the Indian space program. Sarabhai believed that space science should not be a luxury reserved for advanced nations but a tool for solving everyday challenges in a developing country like India. He famously said, “We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets… But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.”

With this philosophy, INCOSPAR set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Kerala in 1963. From this humble facility, India launched its first sounding rocket, marking the beginning of its tryst with space. These early missions were not about prestige but about learning and experimentation. Scientists often transported rocket parts on bicycles and bullock carts—an image that continues to symbolize ISRO’s spirit of innovation and frugality.

By 1969, INCOSPAR had evolved into ISRO, an organization dedicated to harnessing space technology for national development. The early years were marked by collaboration with international agencies, particularly NASA, which helped India train scientists and acquire technical know-how. Yet, ISRO was determined to chart its own path.

The 1970s saw India launch Aryabhata (1975), its first satellite, developed in India and launched by the Soviet Union. This was a turning point—it showed that India was capable of not just dreaming big but also executing those dreams. From there, ISRO steadily expanded its capabilities, laying the groundwork for its now-famous launch vehicles and satellite programs.

What makes ISRO’s origin story remarkable is not just its scientific achievements but the philosophy behind its creation. Instead of chasing prestige missions, Sarabhai and his successors focused on using satellites for weather forecasting, communication, education, and rural development. This people-first approach gave ISRO a unique identity in the global space community.

Today, as India celebrates its presence on the Moon with Chandrayaan-3 and eyes human spaceflight with Gaganyaan, it’s important to remember the modest beginnings that shaped ISRO’s ethos. From bicycle rides in Kerala to rocket launches at Sriharikota, the journey embodies resilience, vision, and the belief that science should serve society.