1972 and brought ISRO under DOS in 1972. Space Commission formulates the policies and
      oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme to promote the development and
      application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country. DOS
      implements these programmes through, mainly, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),
      Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL),
      North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) and Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL).
      Antrix Corporation, established in 1992 as a government owned company, markets the space
      products and services.
            The period March 2016 - June 2017 witnessed numerous achievements of the Indian Space
      programme. Twelve launch vehicle missions were successfully accomplished that included seven
      PSLVs, two GSLV-Mk II and one GSLV-MKIII from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR),
      Sriharikota while the ten ISRO satellites, four student satellites and 152 foreign satellites were
      launched by these missions. India’s communication satellites GSAT-18 and GSAT-17 were also
      successfully launched from French Guiana. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) had the
      unique distinction of launching 104 satellites in a single mission while also demonstrating its
      capability to place satellites in two different orbits in a single mission.
            ISRO also demonstrated new technologies in the launch vehicle programme. The Reusable
      Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) and SCRAMJET Engine Technology
      Demonstrator had their successful maiden test flights. This apart, the launch of Geosynchronous
      Satellite Launch Vehicle - Mark II (GSLV- Mk II) became the third consecutively successful
      launch of GSLV carrying the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS). Mars Orbiter Mission
      (MOM) spacecraft of India completed two years in its orbit around mars while Astro Sat, India’s
      multi-wavelength observatory, successfully completed one year in orbit.
            During 2017 ISRO was also successful in launching GSLV-F09, that could successfully
      place, the South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9) into GTO, which is a gift from India to SAARC
      nations. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) had two successful launches during the year, (i)
      unique distinction of launching a record number of 104 satellites in a single mission and (ii)
      launch of 31 satellites. The launch of GSAT-17, a communication satellite was accomplished
      from French Guiana during June 2017. However, the 41st flight of PSLV carrying India’s eighth
      navigation satellite IRNSS-1H could not place the satellite in the designated orbit and hence was
      not successful. In 2017, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft completed three years
      in its orbit around Mars, while AstroSat, India’s multi-wavelength observatory, successfully
      completed two years in orbit. Both these satellites are in good condition and performing
      satisfactorily.
      Relevant Website: www.isro.org
      Space Applications
            One of the unique characteristics of Indian space programme has been the application-
      oriented efforts and the benefits that have accrued to the country through these programmes. The
      social services from INSAT/GSAT systems in various areas of communication in addition to
      tele-education and tele-medicine continued. Remote Sensing applications projects at national,
      state and local levels made significant progress through a well-established multi-pronged
      implementation architecture of National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) in
      the country. During the year, Indian Remote Sensing Satellite constellation helped in providing
      vital inputs in agricultural crops inventory, agricultural drought assessment, forest fire