The Indian space programme was institutionalized in 1969 with the formation of Indian Space Research Organisation [ISRO]. Indian space programme is aimed at promoting the development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country and also providing valuable service to the Nation in a self reliant manner and witnessed several major accomplishments and scaled newer heights in the recent past. The remarkable successes in space programme were the result of well-orchestrated activities undertaken by the department aimed at mastering cutting edge technology through indigenous efforts and utilising the expertise available within the organisation. The two major operational space systems - Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunication, television broadcasting and meteorological services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite for resources monitoring and management - together with the two operational launch vehicles, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) primarily for launching remote sensing satellites into polar orbits and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching communication and meteorological satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) are providing valuable services to the nation.

The space programme has made a multi-quantum forward leap, making India a major self-reliant space power. The future ISRO programme envisages development of cutting edge technologies for reusable launch vehicle, development of advanced technologies Human Spaceflight Programme, advanced high efficiency semi-cryogenic propulsion system, advanced communication satellite, air breathing propulsion, satellite based navigation system, hyper spectral imaging sensors, and inter planetary missions. ISRO has a strong base in space science too and the first Indian scientific mission to the Moon - Chandrayaan - 1 has been launched and advanced Astronomical Satellite is slated for launch in the near future.