Q6(b). Which are the different Government institutions related to space research in India and how they work in collaboration with each other?

India’s space architecture is an integrated ecosystem under the Department of Space (DoS), operating through specialised institutions with coordinated objectives.

1. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

India’s premier space agency responsible for:

• Satellite launches (PSLV, GSLV)
• Remote sensing, communication satellites
• Space science missions (Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan)
• Navigation systems (NavIC)

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram

• Designs and develops launch vehicles
• Works with LPSC (Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) and ISRO centres for mission execution.

U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru

• Designs and builds satellites of all categories.
• Collaborates with ISRO for launch integration.

Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad

• Designs communication payloads, remote sensing sensors.
• Works with National Remote Sensing Centre for applications.

National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad

• Manages satellite data reception, processing and dissemination.
• Supports ministries in agriculture, water, disaster management.

Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC)

Archives and distributes scientific data from space missions.

IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre)

• Facilitates private sector participation and authorises launches.
• Connects ISRO with private industry.

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

Commercial arm of DoS for satellite launches, transponder leasing and technology transfer.

Collaboration Mechanism

Mission integration is coordinated by ISRO HQ.

• VSSC develops rockets, URSC builds satellites, SAC designs payloads, NRSC provides data.
• IN-SPACe and NSIL support commercialisation and industry linkages.

This multi-agency synergy drives India’s cost-effective and reliable space programme.