The Department of Space (DoS) was established in India on 1st June 1972. It is a part of the Indian Ministry of Defence and is responsible for the country's space programme. The primary objective of the DoS is to promote and develop space technology for national development and to pursue space research and exploration.
The establishment of the DoS marked a significant milestone in India's space journey. Prior to the formation of the DoS, the country's space programme was under the purview of the Department of Atomic Energy. However, with the growing importance of space technology in national development, the need for a dedicated space agency became apparent.
The formation of the DoS paved the way for the development of India's indigenous satellite launch vehicle programme. The agency's first major achievement came in 1975 with the successful launch of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), which was designed and developed in India. The SLV-3 was used to launch India's first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.
Over the years, the DoS has expanded its activities to cover a broad range of space-related programmes, including satellite-based communication, meteorology, remote sensing, and navigation. The agency has also played a key role in international collaborations, including joint satellite launches with other countries.
One of the most notable achievements of the DoS is the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The ISRO was formed in 1969 as a part of the Department of Atomic Energy and was later transferred to the DoS in 1972. Since its formation, the ISRO has become one of the world's leading space agencies, with a wide range of capabilities, including satellite launch vehicles, remote sensing, and communication satellites.
The DoS has also been instrumental in developing several space-related technologies, including satellite-based navigation systems, meteorological forecasting, and remote sensing applications. These technologies have contributed significantly to various sectors of the Indian economy, including agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
