Introduction to ISRO & Chandrayan 3
ISRO, which stands for the Indian Space Research Organization, is the premier space agency of India. It is responsible for the nation’s space exploration and satellite development programs. With its headquarters in Bengaluru, ISRO has made significant contributions to various space missions and has played a vital role in advancing India’s space technology.
Chandrayaan-3, India’s remarkable third lunar exploration mission, is set to elevate India’s status as the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon’s surface. With its primary objective being a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, Chandrayaan-3 aims to demonstrate the country’s extraordinary capabilities in lunar exploration.
What is the Full Form of ISRO?
The full form of ISRO is the Indian Space Research Organization. Established in 1969, ISRO has been at the forefront of India’s space missions and has achieved numerous milestones in space exploration.
Chairman of Isro
The current Chairman of ISRO isย S Somanath.ย He is the current Secretary (Space) and ex-officio chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Space Commission1.
ISRO Recruitment Process
ISRO conducts recruitment drives to attract talented individuals who are passionate about space research and technology. The recruitment process consists of several stages, including eligibility criteria, exams, application procedure, and selection process.
ISRO Headquarters
The headquarters of ISRO is located in Bengaluru, the capital city of the state of Karnataka in southern India. Situated in the heart of the city, the ISRO headquarters serves as the nerve center of the organization’s operations, planning, and decision-making processes.
Chandrayan 3 Mission: Showcasing India’s Technological Progress with a Safe and Soft Lunar Landing
Launch Rehearsal and Mission Details
In preparation for the much-anticipated launch on July 14th, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed the comprehensive ‘launch rehearsal’ for Chandrayaan-3. The launch will take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and the countdown is scheduled to commence on Thursday, preceding the takeoff on Friday.
Chandrayaan-3 will be launched into space aboard the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy lift launch vehicle, showcasing ISRO’s dedication to refining their spacecraft technologies.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
Following the challenges encountered during the Chandrayaan-2 mission’s soft landing in 2019, ISRO has meticulously analyzed the failures and learned invaluable lessons from them. The ‘Launch Rehearsal’ conducted for Chandrayaan-3 simulated the entire launch preparation and process, ensuring that the mission is well-prepared to overcome any obstacles.
Success in the Chandrayaan-3 mission will not only bolster the morale of ISRO’s space exploration programs, such as Gaganyan, but also enhance India’s reputation as a leading nation in the field of space technology.
Exploring the Moon’s South Pole
If all goes according to plan, Chandrayaan-3 will achieve a significant milestone by becoming the first spacecraft to land on the moon’s South Pole. This achievement will demonstrate India’s technical prowess and its unwavering commitment to ambitious space exploration endeavors.
Duration and Scientific Objectives
Upon reaching the moon’s surface, Chandrayaan-3 is expected to operate for approximately one lunar day, equivalent to 14 earth days. This duration provides a valuable window of opportunity to conduct in-situ scientific experiments and gather essential data about the moon’s geology and its connection to the origins of Earth.
Insights from Key Figures at ISRO
K. Sivan, former director of ISRO, expressed confidence that Chandrayaan-3 has been meticulously designed to overcome the challenges faced by its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. He acknowledged that space exploration always presents unforeseen challenges, but ISRO has taken every possible measure to ensure a successful mission.
Mylswamy Annadurai, the Mission Director of Chandrayaan-1, emphasized the significance of Chandrayaan-3 in reinforcing India’s contributions to lunar exploration. He stated that a successful soft landing would solidify India’s pioneering role in international lunar missions.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Development Delays
The development phase of Chandrayaan-3 commenced in January 2020, with the initial plan of launching the mission in 2021. However, the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic led to unavoidable delays in the development process. Despite these setbacks, ISRO has remained resolute in their commitment to achieving their lunar exploration objectives.
Advancing Lunar Research and Beyond
India’s previous lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting water (H2O) and hydroxyl (OH) on the lunar surface. This finding opened doors to further exploration and study of the moon’s polar region. Chandrayaan-3 aims to expand upon this knowledge by creating a comprehensive three-dimensional atlas of the moon’s near and far sides. Additionally, the mission will conduct detailed chemical and mineralogical mapping of the lunar surface, providing valuable insights into Earth’s past and aiding in future endeavors to explore the solar system and beyond.
History of ISRO
ISRO’s journey began in 1962 when the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was formed under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, often referred to as the “Father of the Indian Space Program.” The primary objective of INCOSPAR was to establish a space research program in India and develop indigenous capabilities in space technology.
On August 15, 1969, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was formed as a successor to INCOSPAR. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai became the first Chairman of ISRO, and the organization started functioning with a modest infrastructure and a handful of scientists and engineers.
In its initial years, ISRO faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, technological constraints, and a lack of infrastructure. However, the organization’s determination and visionary leadership paved the way for significant achievements in the following decades.
ISRO’s first major milestone came in 1975 when it successfully launched the Aryabhata satellite into space, making India the sixth country to have a satellite in orbit. This accomplishment laid the foundation for future space missions and showcased India’s potential in space technology.
Over the years, ISRO continued to make remarkable progress in various domains, including satellite communication, remote sensing, weather forecasting, and lunar exploration. The organization successfully launched several satellites, including INSAT and IRS series, which have revolutionized communication and Earth observation capabilities in India.
One of the notable achievements of ISRO was the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008. Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar probe, and it played a vital role in discovering water molecules on the Moon’s surface. This mission boosted India’s status as a global space power.
In recent years, ISRO has undertaken ambitious projects such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and the Chandrayaan-2 mission. These missions have demonstrated ISRO’s expertise in interplanetary missions and brought worldwide recognition to India’s space program.
Today, ISRO stands as a premier space agency known for its cost-effective solutions, innovative technologies, and significant contributions to space research. With its headquarters in Bengaluru, ISRO continues to push boundaries, explore new frontiers, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Eligibility Criteria for ISRO Recruitment
To be eligible for ISRO recruitment, candidates must meet certain criteria. These criteria generally include educational qualifications, age limits, and other specific requirements based on the position they are applying for. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the nature of the job and the level of responsibility associated with it.
Important Exams for ISRO Recruitment
ISRO conducts various exams to select candidates for different positions. Some of the important exams conducted by ISRO include the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, the Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ exam, and the Technician-B exam. These exams assess the knowledge and skills of candidates in their respective domains.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for ISRO recruitment typically involves submitting an online application through the official ISRO website. Candidates are required to provide their personal details, educational qualifications, and other relevant information as per the instructions provided in the application form.
Selection Process
The selection process for ISRO recruitment consists of multiple stages, including a written exam, an interview, and sometimes a skill test. Candidates who qualify in the written exam are shortlisted for further rounds of the selection process. The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in all the stages of the selection process.
Training and Career Opportunities
Selected candidates undergo training programs to enhance their skills and knowledge in their respective areas of expertise. ISRO provides excellent career opportunities for individuals interested in space research, satellite development, rocket technology, and related fields. The organization offers a dynamic work environment and encourages innovation and research.
Conclusion
ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization, is a leading space agency known for its remarkable contributions to India’s space programs. With its dedicated team of scientists and engineers, ISRO continues to explore new frontiers in space technology. The organization’s recruitment process offers aspiring individuals an opportunity to contribute to India’s space endeavors and be a part of its success story.
FAQs
- Q: How can I join ISRO? A: To join ISRO, you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria, participate in the recruitment process, and qualify in the selection stages, including exams and interviews.
- Q: What are the educational qualifications required for ISRO recruitment? A: The educational qualifications required for ISRO recruitment vary based on the position you are applying for. Generally, a degree in engineering or a related field is required for technical positions.
- Q: Can non-Indian citizens apply for ISRO recruitment? A: No, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, ISRO recruitment is open only to Indian citizens.
- Q: How often does ISRO conduct recruitment drives? A: ISRO conducts recruitment drives periodically based on its requirements. The frequency of these drives may vary depending on the available positions and projects.
- Q: What is the role of the Chairman of ISRO? A: The Chairman of ISRO provides leadership and strategic direction to the organization. They oversee the planning and execution of space missions and play a crucial role in shaping ISRO’s vision and goals.