ISRO ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE WITH FULL DETAIL

  ISRO ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE WITH FULL DETAILS

Overall hierarchy

Prime Minister → Space Commission → Department of Space (DoS) → ISRO → its various centres and units

1. Prime Minister of India, New Delhi

Direct administrative authority over the Department of Space (DoS), chairs the Space Commission.

ISRO functions under the Department of Space, which reports directly to the Prime Minister of India. The apex authority overseeing the Department of Space (DoS) and Receives policy advice from the Space Commission.

2. Space Commission

Location: New Delhi

Established: 1972

Function: The Space Commission is a high-level policy-making and advisory body of the Government of India responsible for overseeing the nation's space program.

  • It functions under the leadership of the Prime Minister of India.
  • It guides and advises the Department of Space (DoS) on policies, programs, and priorities for India’s space development.
  • It is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Space, who is also the Chairman of ISRO.
  • It plays a crucial role in formulating strategic direction, policy frameworks, and ensuring inter-ministerial coordination.

 

 3. Department of Space (DoS)

Location
: Antariksh Bhawan, New BEL Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Established: June 1, 1972

Function & Role:

Administrative Authority of ISRO:
The DoS operates directly under the Prime Minister of India, and it serves as the central administrative body for all space-related activities in India.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Formulates space policies, plans, and programs for the country.
  • Coordinates among various ISRO centers and other national/international space agencies.
  • Implements satellite launches, missions, and space applications.
  • Oversees institutions like ISRO, Space Commission, and other space research and education centers.

4. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)

Headquarters: Antariksh Bhavan, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Function:


1. Executes India’s space missions, including:
  • Satellite development
  • Launch vehicle programs (PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, SSLV)
  • Earth observation and navigation
  • Interplanetary and lunar missions (e.g., Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan)
  • Space-based applications in communication, remote sensing, weather forecasting, etc.
2. Coordinates with all operational and R&D centres across India.
3. Engages in international cooperation and commercial space services via its commercial arms.

Organizational Position:

  • ISRO functions under the Department of Space (DoS), which directly reports to the Prime Minister of India.
  • The Chairman of ISRO is also: Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, Space Commission

Departments/Divisions Under DoS (Parallel to ISRO): IN-SPACe, ANTRIX & NSIL

1. IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center)

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Established: June 2020

Parent Body: Department of Space (DoS), Government of India

Function / Role:

1. Acts as an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space.

2. Facilitates, authorizes, regulates, and promotes private sector participation in space-related activities including:

  • Launches
  • Satellite development
  • Space-based services
  • Infrastructure sharing

3. Ensures level-playing field and ease of doing business for non-governmental entities (NGEs) in the space sector.

2. ANTRIX Corporation Ltd.

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Established: 1992, as a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Space
Type: Public Sector Undertaking 

Function:

ANTRIX is the commercial arm of ISRO, responsible for:
  • Marketing ISRO's products and services (e.g., satellites, transponders, and remote sensing data)
  • Providing launch services to domestic and international clients
  • Facilitating technology transfer, mission support, and ground infrastructure
  • Promoting international commercial collaborations in the space sector

NSIL (New Space India Ltd.)

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Established: March 6, 2019

Parent Organization: Department of Space (DoS), Government of India

Administrative Control: Under the Department of Space, functioning as the commercial arm of ISRO

Functions / Roles:

  • Promotes Indian space products and services globally by commercializing ISRO’s achievements and capabilities.
  • Facilitates technology transfer from ISRO to Indian industry, enhancing the space ecosystem.
  • Oversees end-to-end production of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and other launch vehicles through Indian industry consortia.
  • Develops, builds, and operates satellites, especially those intended for commercial use—e.g., Earth observation and communication satellites.
  • Markets satellite launch services, both for Indian and foreign customers, including access to ISRO's launch infrastructure.
  • Provides transponder capacity on commercial terms to domestic and international clients.
  • Supports satellite-based services, such as DTH, broadband, and remote sensing applications.
  • Acts as a key player in public-private partnerships (PPP) in India's space sector, especially under the space sector reforms of 2020.


RESEARCH & EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES UNDER DoS


PRL (Physical Research Laboratory)

Location:

Main campus in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Additional facilities at Thaltej (Ahmedabad), Mount Abu, and Udaipur.

Established: 11 November 1947 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India’s space programme.

Function / Role:

PRL is India’s premier institute for fundamental research in space and physical sciences.

  • Its major areas of research include:
  • Cosmic rays and high-energy physics
  • Space and atmospheric sciences
  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Solar physics
  • Planetary sciences and geosciences

PRL also plays a key role in designing and developing scientific payloads for:

  • ISRO's rockets and satellites
  • High-altitude balloon experiments

NARL (National Atmospheric Research Laboratory)

Location: Gadanki, near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

Established:  Initially founded as National MST Radar Facility (NMRF) in 1992

Renamed and upgraded to National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) on 22 September 2005

Status: An autonomous research institute under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India

Function and Role:

  1. Conducts fundamental and applied research in atmospheric sciences
  2. Key research domains include:
  • Middle and upper atmospheric studies
  • Weather and climate modeling
  • Cloud microphysics
  • Aerosol research
  • Ionospheric studies
  • Thunderstorm and lightning dynamics
  • Radar meteorology

Facilities and Technologies Used:

  • MST Radar (Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere Radar)
  • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems
  • GPS-based atmospheric sensors
  • Atmospheric profilers
  • Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)

Affiliation: Collaborates with ISRO centers, universities, and international bodies for advanced research in atmospheric phenomena.ies, weather forecasting models, as well as ionospheric and atmospheric dynamics.

 NE-SAC (North Eastern Space Applications Centre)

Location: Umiam, near Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Established: 5 September 2000

Founding Organizations: A joint initiative of the Department of Space (DoS) and the North Eastern Council (NEC)

Function:

  • NE-SAC provides space technology support for the development of the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. Its functions include:
  • Remote sensing and GIS applications for natural resource management and planning
  • Satellite communication support for tele-education, telemedicine, and disaster communication
  • Disaster management and early warning systems using space-based tools
  • Capacity building through training and outreach programs for local agencies and institutions
  • Environmental monitoring, urban planning, and infrastructure development using space-based data

 SCL (Semi-Conductor Laboratory)

Location: Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (formerly Mohali), Punjab, India

Established: 1976 as Semiconductor Complex Limited; came under the Department of Space (DoS) in 2005

Function:

·        Specializes in R&D and fabrication of semiconductor devices, including:
·        ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits)
·        MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems)
·        CMOS-based VLSI (Very-Large-Scale Integration)
·        Supports space and strategic sector applications
·        Operates as India’s only integrated device fabrication (fab) facility
·        Has developed chips used in ISRO missions, including:
·        Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
·        Avionics systems in launch vehicles (e.g., VIKRAM3201 processor)


 IIST (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology)

Location: Valiamala, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (extended observatory campus at Ponmudi Hills)

Established: Founded in 2007; new campus operational from 15 August 2010 (inaugurated 25 August 2009)

Function:

Acts as an academic institute and deemed university under the Department of Space (DoS), providing specialised education, training, and research in space science, technology, and applications. It develops highly skilled professionals to meet the human resource needs of ISRO and the broader space sector.

MAJOR ISRO CENTRES

VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre)

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Established: 1963

It evolved from TERLS (Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station), which began operations in 1962.

It was later renamed in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of India’s space program.

Function:

·        VSSC is ISRO’s lead centre for the research, design, and development of launch vehicle technologies.


This includes:

· SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle)· PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
· GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle)
· Human spaceflight systems (like Gaganyaan)


VSSC also focuses on:

·        Aeronautics

·        Avionics

·        Materials and composites

·        Propulsion systems (solid and liquid)

·        Vehicle integration

·        Structural design and analysis

·        Reliability and quality assurance

 

LPSC (Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre)

Location (Headquarters): Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Other Units: Bengaluru (Karnataka) and IPRC Mahendragiri (Tamil Nadu, under administrative control of LPSC)

Established: 30 November 1985

 Functions:

·        LPSC is responsible for the design, development, research, and testing of:

·        Liquid propulsion systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft

·        Cryogenic and semi-cryogenic propulsion systems

·        Satellite propulsion systems and sensors

·        Location-specific Roles:

·        Thiruvananthapuram (HQ): Focuses on the development of liquid stages for launch vehicles

·        Bengaluru: Works on satellite propulsion systems and associated control systems

·        IPRC Mahendragiri (TN): Handles testing, assembly, and integration of engines and stages (also serves as a test facility)

 

 SDSC-SHAR (Satish Dhawan Space Centre – Sriharikota)

Location: Sriharikota Island, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Established: Site selected in 1969, operational from 1971; renamed SDSC on 5 September 2002 in honor of Dr. Satish Dhawan.

 

Function & Role:

SDSC-SHAR serves as India’s primary spaceport, facilitating nearly all of ISRO’s satellite launch operations. It features three launch pads designed to support launches of sounding rockets, PSLV, GSLV, LVM3 (GSLV Mk-III), and SSLV.

 

It performs a range of critical functions:

 

  • ·        Launch vehicle assembly and integration
  • ·        Static testing of solid rocket motors
  • ·        Range operations and tracking
  • ·        Mission control and telemetry support
  • ·        Notable Missions Launched from SDSC:
  • ·        Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3
  • ·        Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
  • ·        Aditya-L1 (solar observatory mission)

These accomplishments position SDSC-SHAR as a cornerstone of India’s space ambitions, supporting both commercial and scientific missions.

URSC (U R Rao Satellite Centre)

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka (Vimanapura, Old Airport Road)

Established: Originally founded in 1972 as the Indian Scientific Satellite Project (ISSP); later became ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC); renamed to URSC on 2 April 2018 in honor of Dr. Udupi Ramachandra Rao

 

Function:

Acts as ISRO’s lead centre for satellite design, development, assembly, integration, and testing. It develops satellite platforms for:

 

  • ·        Communication
  • ·        Earth observation
  • ·        Navigation
  • ·        Scientific exploration
  • ·        Small satellites

It also houses major satellite subsystem facilities such as:

·        LEOS (Laboratory for Electro-Optic Systems)

·        ISITE (ISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment)

 

SAC (Space Applications Centre).

 

 Location:
Main Campus: Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana
Major Ground Station: Shadnagar (about 60 km from Hyderabad)

Established:
Originally established in 1974 as NRSA (National Remote Sensing Agency)
Converted into a government Centre under ISRO in 2008, renamed as NRSC

 

Function:


NRSC is responsible for acquiring, processing, archiving, and disseminating satellite remote sensing data.


It also provides aerial remote sensing data, develops geospatial applications, supports disaster management, natural resource management, governance, and user training/capacity-building.
It plays a vital role in enabling various national development projects using space-based inputs.

Notes:

  • The Shadnagar Earth Station is one of the largest remote sensing data reception centers in Asia.
  • NRSC functions under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India, and is a key part of ISRO’s application-driven remote sensing strategy.

 

HSFC (Human Space Flight Centre)

Location: ISRO HQ Campus, Bengaluru, Karnataka
– Additional infrastructure and astronaut training centre planned at Challakere, Chitradurga district, Karnataka

Established: Officially inaugurated on 30 January 2019 (not 31st)

Function:

  • Nodal agency for implementing India’s human spaceflight missions, including Gaganyaan
  • Responsible for design, development, crew safety systems, and mission planning
  • Coordinates with other ISRO centres for vehicle integration, testing, and launch
  • Note: Testing of liquid engines and cryogenic propulsion systems is primarily done at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, and not HSFC itself


SUPPORT & SPECIALIZED UNITS

 

 IPRC (ISRO Propulsion Complex)

 

Location: Mahendragiri Hills, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India

 Established: Functioned earlier as LPSC-Mahendragiri (a unit of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre). Became an independent ISRO centre on 1st February 2014, renamed as ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC).

 

Function:

·      Testing of liquid, cryogenic, and semi-cryogenic engines and propulsion stages.

·      Assembly, integration, and qualification of propulsion systems.

·      Supplying propellants for ISRO launch vehicles and spacecrafts.

·      Ensuring high reliability and quality assurance in propulsion systems.

Role: Acts as a key center for ISRO's propulsion system readiness — crucial for launch vehicles like PSLV, GSLV, and future missions involving advanced engines.

 

IISU (ISRO Inertial Systems Unit)

Location: Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Established: 15 July 1980

Function: Designs and develops inertial sensors and systems such as:

    • Gyro-based Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
    • Accelerometer Reference Systems (ARS)
    • Accelerometer packages
    • Actuators

These systems are essential for the navigation, control, attitude guidance, and overall mission support of launch vehicles and satellites.

IISU operates under the Department of Space, Government of India, and plays a pivotal role in precision control and navigation systems, which are critical for ISRO's launch and satellite missions.

 DECU (Development and Educational Communication Unit)

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat (part of SAC – Space Applications Centre, ISRO)

Established: Originated in the 1970s, formally structured in 1980s

Status: Merged into SAC in 2023, as part of ISRO’s internal restructuring

Function:

    • Designs and develops satellite-based communication systems specifically for societal applications like:
      • Tele-Education
      • Tele-Medicine
      • EDUSAT
      • GRAMSAT
    • Involved in planning, training, and outreach to ensure effective implementation and adoption of these services in rural and underserved areas.

Notes:

  • DECU was an important applied unit under ISRO, known for pioneering communication technology for development, especially under programs like the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) and Kheda Communications Project (KCP).
  • After merging into SAC (2023), its responsibilities and legacy continue under the same umbrella.

MCF (Master Control Facility) – ISRO

Locations:

Hassan, Karnataka (Established in 1982)

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (Commissioned in 2005)

Function:


The Master Control Facility is responsible for monitoring, managing, and controlling ISRO's geostationary satellites, including the INSAT, GSAT, and IRNSS series. Its core activities include:

    • Orbit-raising operations after satellite launch
    • Payload in-orbit testing
    • Routine station-keeping and attitude control
    • Eclipse management and contingency recovery
    • 24/7 satellite health monitoring
    • Supporting tele-training and user outreach programs to enhance public awareness and utilization of satellite services

 

 STRAC (ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network)

Location: Headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It operates a network of ground stations across India and abroad.

Established: 1970s, evolving from initial tracking support systems developed for early Indian satellite missions like Aryabhata (1975).

Function:

    • Provides telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) support for ISRO’s satellites and launch vehicles.
    • Monitors and controls spacecraft operations throughout their mission lifecycle — from launch, in-orbit operations, to re-entry (where applicable).
    • Supports navigation, data reception, and mission planning for ISRO's space missions.

ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network)

Location: Headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It operates a network of ground stations across India and abroad.

Established: 1970s, evolving from initial tracking support systems developed for early Indian satellite missions like Aryabhata (1975).

Function:

    • Provides telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) support for ISRO’s satellites and launch vehicles.
    • Monitors and controls spacecraft operations throughout their mission lifecycle — from launch, in-orbit operations, to re-entry (where applicable).
    • Supports navigation, data reception, and mission planning for ISRO's space missions.

IIRS (Indian Institute of Remote Sensing)

  • Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
  • Established: 21 April 1966 as Indian Photo-interpretation Institute (IPI), later renamed IIRS in 1983.
  • Affiliation: A unit of ISRO, Department of Space, Government of India.
  • Function & Role:
    • Provides education, training, and research in the field of remote sensing, geoinformatics (GIS & GPS), and satellite communication applications.
    • Plays a key role in capacity building for professionals in natural resource management, disaster management, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and more.
    • Conducts applied research and offers academic programs, including collaborations with universities and international institutions.

 

Apart from the 23 ISRO institutions there are several other important ISRO-affiliated or associated centres, academic institutions, and facilities that play a key role in India's space program. Here's a list of additional ISRO organisations worth knowing:

 

1. Department of Space (DoS)

 Location: Bengaluru (ISRO HQ), oversight from New Delhi

 

Established: 1972

 Role: Apex government department under PMO; administratively controls ISRO, Antrix, NSIL, IIST, and other units. Handles policy, funding, and strategic direction.

 

2. ISRO HQ (Headquarters)

Location: Antariksh Bhavan, New BEL Road, Bengaluru

Established: 1972

Role: Nodal centre for all policy-level decisions, mission planning, coordination, and administrative control of ISRO centres.

 

3. ADRIN: Advanced Data Processing Research Institute

Location: Secunderabad, Telangana

 Established: 1988

 Role: Focuses on software development, data analytics, geospatial technologies, AI, and high-performance computing for remote sensing and GIS.

  4. SHAR Centre Guest House & Training Facilities

 Location: Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

 Role: These are support installations near SDSC-SHAR for crew, mission management, media personnel, and staff training.

 5. RESPOND Programme (Sponsored Research Programme)

 Location: Across top Indian academic institutions (IITs, IISc, NITs, etc.)

  Role: Promotes and funds space science & technology research at universities, for building academic capacity and innovations relevant to ISRO missions.

 6. DMSA: Directorate of Missions & Systems Architecture

Location: ISRO HQ, Bengaluru

 Role: Designs architecture and systems engineering for future ISRO missions, including interplanetary, reusable launchers, and space stations.

  7. SCATSAT Data Reception Centre

Location: NRSC Shadnagar & other stations

Role: Receives data from SCATSAT-1 for weather prediction, ocean state monitoring, cyclone detection.

 8. Balloon Facility – TIFR/ISRO

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana

Role: Joint facility with TIFR; launches high-altitude balloons for atmospheric & space science experiments.

  9. INSAT Meteorological Data Reception Centres

Multiple Locations: Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, etc.

 Role: Receive weather and environmental data from INSAT-series satellites.

 

10. NAVIC Ground Segment Facilities

Multiple: Ground control and reference stations across India

  Main Centre: ISTRAC Bengaluru

 Role: Support India’s regional navigation system (IRNSS/NAVIC) for location, timing, and emergency response.

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