ISRO’s 100th Launch: A Historic Milestone in Space Exploration

Strategic Vanguard
Feb 3
3 min read

India has once again etched its name in the history of space exploration! The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed its 100th launch, marking a monumental achievement in the country’s space journey. From its humble beginnings to interplanetary missions, ISRO has consistently pushed boundaries, proving that India is a formidable force in global space exploration.

In this article, we take a closer look at ISRO’s remarkable journey, the significance of this milestone, and what lies ahead in India’s ambitious space program.

ISRO’s Journey to 100 Launches

From Modest Beginnings to Global Recognition

ISRO was established in 1969 with the vision of making India self-reliant in space technology. The organization started with small-scale experiments, launching sounding rockets from a simple church in Thumba, Kerala.

However, within a few decades, ISRO transitioned from launching satellites with foreign assistance to developing its own powerful launch vehicles. The first major milestone was the successful launch of Rohini-1 in 1980 using the SLV-3 rocket. From there, ISRO continued to refine its capabilities, leading to the development of more advanced launch vehicles like the PSLV, GSLV, and LVM-3.

Key Missions That Defined ISRO

Aryabhata (1975) – India’s first satellite, launched with Soviet assistance.
SLV-3 (1980) – India’s first successful indigenous satellite launch.
Chandrayaan-1 (2008) – Discovered water molecules on the Moon.
Mangalyaan (2014) – India became the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019) – A historic attempt at a soft lunar landing.
Chandrayaan-3 (2023) – Successfully landed near the Moon’s south pole.
Gaganyaan (Upcoming) – India’s first human spaceflight mission.

With each success, ISRO has built a reputation for achieving high-impact missions at a fraction of the global cost, making space exploration more accessible.

The Significance of ISRO’s 100th Launch

The 100th launch is not just a number—it represents decades of scientific progress, technological breakthroughs, and global recognition.

What Makes This Launch Special?

Reliability & Precision: ISRO’s 100th mission is a testament to its track record of successful launches.
Cost-Effective Space Exploration: ISRO is known for delivering high-quality missions at a fraction of the cost of other space agencies.
Boost to Commercial Space Sector: With the rise of private sector participation, ISRO’s success paves the way for Indian startups in space tech.
Global Partnerships: Many foreign countries rely on ISRO for launching their satellites, boosting India’s reputation as a global space leader.

This mission solidifies India’s standing as a reliable, cost-effective, and innovative space power.

Challenges ISRO Has Overcome

Despite its success, ISRO’s journey has not been without challenges.

Limited Budgets: Compared to NASA and ESA, ISRO operates with a significantly lower budget, making efficiency a key factor in mission planning.
Early Mission Failures: The failures of SLV-3 (1979) and ASLV (1987) were major setbacks, but ISRO learned from them and improved.
Chandrayaan-2’s Hard Landing: The lander Vikram crashed in 2019, but ISRO bounced back with the success of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023.
COVID-19 Delays: The pandemic delayed several key missions, but ISRO has since regained momentum.

These hurdles have only strengthened ISRO’s determination and resilience, allowing it to emerge stronger with each setback.

What’s Next for ISRO?

With its 100th launch now in the books, ISRO is setting its sights on even bigger and more ambitious projects.

Upcoming Missions:

Gaganyaan (2025-26): India’s first human spaceflight mission.
Chandrayaan-4: Future lunar missions with enhanced scientific capabilities.
Aditya-L1: India’s first mission to study the Sun.
Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (Mangalyaan-2): A follow-up to India’s first Mars mission.
India’s Own Space Station (2035): Aiming to establish a permanent Indian presence in space.

ISRO is also expanding commercial collaborations, opening doors for private companies and startups to participate in India’s space sector.

Conclusion: A Proud Moment for India!

ISRO’s 100th launch is more than just a mission—it’s a symbol of India’s scientific prowess, innovation, and determination. From launching satellites for global clients to venturing into deep space exploration, ISRO has cemented its place among the world’s leading space agencies.

As India looks ahead to human spaceflight, interplanetary exploration, and its own space station, the future is brighter than ever.