ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) (formerly ISRO Satellite Centre – ISAC) in Bengaluru is the lead facility for satellite development in India. It was established in 1972 and renamed after Dr. Udupi Ramachandra Rao, a pioneer of India’s space program.
Design, development, and integration of satellites for various applications.
Research and innovation in satellite technology, including communication, remote sensing, navigation, and scientific missions.
Testing and assembling satellites before launch.
Aryabhata (1975) – India’s first indigenously built satellite.
Bhaskara I (1979) & Bhaskara II (1981) – Earth observation satellites for remote sensing.
Rohini Satellite Series (1980s) – Carried on SLV missions for Earth observation.
APPLE (1981) – India’s first experimental communication satellite, crucial for later developments in INSAT.
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellites – Used for agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
INSAT Series – Multi-purpose geostationary satellites for communication, weather monitoring, and broadcasting.
GSAT Series – Advanced communication satellites providing broadband, television, and mobile services.
NAVIC (IRNSS) – India’s independent satellite navigation system.
Chandrayaan & Mangalyaan Missions – The centre played a role in designing payloads and satellite systems for India’s Moon and Mars missions.
Cartosat Series – High-resolution Earth observation satellites for mapping and strategic applications.
URSC continues to play a critical role in ISRO’s space missions, including upcoming interplanetary projects, advanced Earth observation satellites, and next-generation communication systems.
